Indonesia Ready to Welcome the Whales: A Moment of Moderation and Religious Tolerance Amid Diversity
Jakarta – Indonesia is ready to welcome the arrival of Pope Francis, which serves as a strong symbol of moderation and religious tolerance. The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has prepared itself by conducting various cross-sectoral coordination to ensure the smoothness and success of this visit.
“We have coordinated with various relevant parties to ensure that Pope Francis’s visit can proceed safely and smoothly. This visit is not only an important moment for Catholics but also a significant symbol of interfaith harmony in Indonesia,” stated the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.
Pope Francis’s visit to Indonesia is a tangible proof that Indonesia, as the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, has a strong commitment to realizing religious moderation. The government, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, has committed to continuously strengthening the values of tolerance and moderation, which are essential foundations for maintaining the integrity and unity of the nation.
The Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Ulil Abshar Abdalla, believes that Pope Francis’s visit is a sign that religious tolerance in Indonesia is improving. “The Pope’s presence in Indonesia sends a strong message to the world that Indonesia is a tolerant country, where religious diversity is valued and well-maintained,” he stated.
In addition, this visit also serves as an important moment to strengthen interfaith dialogue. Pope Francis is known as a figure who always prioritizes dialogue and brotherhood among religious communities. This visit is hoped to serve as a stronger foundation in the effort to build a more peaceful, just, and prosperous world.
The Chairman of the Catholic Youth of East Java, Christophorus Suryo, stated that the upcoming visit of Pope Francis will quench the thirst of Catholics in Indonesia, following the visit of Pope John Paul more than 35 years ago.
“This is a moment for Catholics in particular to better understand the presence of Pope Francis as a spirit of peace, a spirit of love, to build this nation into a more pluralistic society, a nation that respects differences, and a nation that fosters unity despite its diverse ethnicities and religions,” he explained.
With this visit, Indonesia once again demonstrates to the world that as a pluralistic nation, the values of moderation and religious tolerance remain the main pillars in maintaining social harmony.
