Jokowi Welcomes Pope Francis at the Palace: Emphasize Peace and Tolerance

Jakarta – President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo welcomed Supreme Leader of the World Catholic Church and Head of State of the Vatican Pope Francis at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (4/9).

In his remarks, Jokowi said the Pope’s visit to Indonesia brought an important message to the nation, especially peace and tolerance.

“Thank you, Holy Father, for being willing to fulfill our invitation to visit Indonesia. This visit has a very strong message about the importance of celebrating differences,” Jokowi said, which was broadcast live on the Presidential Secretariat’s YouTube page.

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Jokowi also explained to the Pope, about the ethnic and tribal diversity in Indonesia. Where, there are 714 ethnic groups and 17 thousand islands in Indonesia.

“All of them are different in culture, religion, and ethnicity. Continue to strive to maintain harmony in the midst of the diversity that we have,” he explained.

Jokowi emphasized that differences are a gift. While tolerance is fertilizer for unity and peace as a nation.

“This spirit of peace and tolerance is what Indonesia and the Vatican want to spread, especially in the midst of an increasingly turbulent world,” he said.

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Jokowi then mentioned a number of conflicts in other parts of the world, including Israel’s war on Palestine which has claimed approximately 40 thousand lives.

Where, Indonesia really appreciates the Vatican’s attitude which continues to voice and call for peace in Palestine and supports a two-state solution.

“Because war will not benefit anyone, war will only bring suffering and misery to small communities. Let us celebrate our differences and accept each other and strengthen tolerance to realize a better world for all humanity,” he concluded. (*)

Editor: Galih Pratama