The upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia has been described as a “breath of fresh air” for the religious communities in the country. Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world, making up 87 per cent of its total population, as well as the third-largest Christian population in Asia. The pope’s visit is seen as a symbol of tolerance and respect between different faiths, with leaders from both the Muslim and Christian communities expressing their excitement and anticipation.
Ulil Abshar Abdalla, chairman of the executive board of Nahdlatul Ulama – the country’s largest Islamic organization with over 80 million members, sees the pope’s visit as an important event that will inspire grassroots efforts to build relationships based on tolerance and respect. He emphasizes the significance of the visit in promoting interfaith dialogue and cooperation, which will have a lasting impact on the lives of people in Indonesia, especially between Muslims and Catholics.
Thomas Ulun Ismoyo, spokesperson for the Pope Francis Visitation Committee in Jakarta, highlights the importance of Indonesia on the global stage through the pope’s visit, underscoring the country’s significance in the eyes of the Vatican. The visit is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties between Indonesia and the Vatican, as well as foster greater understanding and collaboration between the Muslim and Catholic communities in the country.
At The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the oldest cathedral in Jakarta, anticipation for the pope’s arrival is palpable, with some Catholics expressing their emotions through tears. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the visit are reminiscent of Pope John Paul II’s visit to Indonesia in 1989, with residents feeling emotional and joyful at the prospect of Pope Francis’s historic visit to the country. This will be the first papal visit to Indonesia since then, marking a significant moment for the country’s religious communities.
The pope’s visit is seen as an opportunity to promote peace, unity, and mutual respect among the religious communities in Indonesia. It is expected to inspire dialogue and cooperation between Muslims and Catholics, fostering a climate of interfaith harmony and understanding. Leaders from both communities are hopeful that the pope’s visit will strengthen relations between different faiths in the country, paving the way for greater cooperation and collaboration in the future.
Overall, the pope’s visit to Indonesia is anticipated with great excitement and hope for positive change in the country’s religious landscape. The symbolic significance of the visit is expected to have a lasting impact on the lives of people in Indonesia, promoting tolerance, respect, and understanding between different faiths. As preparations for the visit continue, leaders from both the Muslim and Christian communities are united in their anticipation of the pope’s arrival, highlighting the importance of this historic event for religious communities in Indonesia and beyond.
