Jokowi Returns to Bogor in Innova Zenix After Meeting Pope Francis

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi returned to the Bogor Presidential Palace on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, in a Toyota Innova Zenix car. This vehicle is notable for its previous use by Pope Francis during his apostolic visit to Indonesia.

A screenshot of a black Innova Zenix with an RI-1 license plate was shared in a journalist messaging group. The Deputy for Protocol and Media of the Presidential Secretariat confirmed that the President was indeed traveling in this vehicle.

“Yes, that's correct. That's his vehicle,” said Yusuf, Deputy for Protocol and Media, in a text message to Tempo on Wednesday night.

Yusuf explained that Jokowi is accustomed to using Innova vehicles, particularly for incognito activities. “Fortuners are also often used for working visits in areas with difficult terrain. So, changing vehicles is a common practice,” he added.

On Wednesday morning, Jokowi received a visit from the Supreme Leader of the World Catholic Church at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta. The head of state is used to living in Bogor, but he maintains an office in Jakarta for work-related matters.

Pope Francis has consistently refused to use the Mercedes-Benz presidential car. Instead, he has requested the committee to arrange for a vehicle commonly used by the people in Jakarta. This preference was evident during his departure from Soekarno-Hatta Airport to the Vatican Embassy in Central Jakarta and again when he met with President Jokowi at the Jakarta Palace.

Since the Vatican announced the Pope’s Asia tour in April 2024, the Apostolic nunciature, or the Vatican Embassy in Indonesia, has been diligently preparing for his arrival in tandem with the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), which serves as the organizing committee for the Pope's apostolic journey.

Bishop Anton Subianto, the chairman of the KWI, revealed that the Nuncio had conveyed several messages from Pope Francis expressing a desire to avoid exclusivity.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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