Pope Francis Won't Attend Aksi Kamisan, Jakarta Archbishop Affirms

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Archbishop of Jakarta, Ignatius Cardinal Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, affirmed that Pope Francis will not attend Aksi Kamisan or the Kamisan Action at the Presidential Palace on Thursday afternoon. The archbishop conveyed the statement ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Jakarta Cathedral this afternoon.

“He’s not attending (the Kamisan Action),” Suharyo said when reporters met him at the Jakarta Cathedral on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. 

Meanwhile, netizens on Instagram are sharing a poster urging the Pope to meet Maria Katarina Sumarsih, one of the prominent figures for Aksi Kamisan, during his visit to Indonesia. 

Based on Tempo’s observation, up to 01:50 p.m. Jakarta Time today, the poster has been shared over 4,500 times through Instagram Story. Netizens also encourage Pope Francis to meet with Sumarsih through the social media platform, X.

Indonesian citizens believe Sumarsih reflects the core Catholic principles of dignity, justice, and a righteous life. Sumarsih is deemed successful in dedicating her life to defending human rights.

Netizens also bring up the death of Sumarsih’s son, Bernadinus Realino Norma Irmawan or Wawan, an Atma Jaya Catholic University who was shot by police during the first Semanggi shooting. 

“Pope @franciscus, I beg you to meet with her (Sumarsih), to acknowledge her steadfast faith and tireless advocacy for human rights,” the Instagram post read. 

Sumarsih is one of the key figures behind the Kamisan Action. The rally is participated by the victims of human rights violations and human rights activists in front of the Merdeka Palace every Thursday. Kamisan Action first commenced on January 18, 2007.

Previously, Pope Francis was greeted by orphans and refugees upon his arrival at the Vatican Embassy on Tuesday, September 3. The Indonesian Community of Sant’Egidio escorted the five children. 

Two of the children delivered a painting illustrating a tree, flags of various countries, and hands interlinked with ‘Our World’ written at the bottom. Pope Francis is seen smiling at the children. 

Meanwhile, the Pope is also seen blessing the refugees on their foreheads. The Director of the Vatican Press Bureau, Matteo Burni, said the refugees originated from various countries.

“Including some from Rohingya and Myanmar,” Matteo told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. 

Pope Francis visited the State Palace today, arriving on a white Innova Zenix with plate number SCV 1. Children donning traditional clothing welcomed the Pope’s arrival. “Welcome to Indonesia,” the children said.  

SAVERO ARISTIA WIENANTO | FRANCISCA CHRISTY SORANA | DANIEL A. FAJRI

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