Pope Francis Lauds Smooth Presidential Power Transition from Jokowi to Prabowo
Jakarta. Pope Francis expressed his admiration for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo who introduced his successor, Prabowo Subianto, to the visiting pope during their meeting at the State Palace on Wednesday.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, who was present at the meeting, said the pope described the gesture as a "noble tradition" in which the incumbent leader introduces his successor to his foreign guests on every occasion, signaling a smooth and peaceful transfer of power.
During the moment, Pope Francis extended warm greetings to President-Elect Prabowo who will be inaugurated next month.
“I would like to extend warm greetings to the president-elect for your service that will bear fruits for Indonesia,” the pope said.
“This is a vast archipelagic country comprising thousands of islands surrounded by waters that connect Asia and Oceania,” the worldwide Catholic church leader said.
Prabowo posted his meeting with the pope on his social media account later that day.
“Welcome to Indonesia, Pope Francis. Indonesia is blessed with diversity and a harmonious life. Bhinneka Tunggal Ika [‘Unity in Diversity’],” Prabowo said, referring to Indonesia’s motto.
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