Jakarta. Pope Francis chose to ride in a humble vehicle commonly used by the Indonesian public, waving to cheering crowds through an open window as he traveled from the airport to the Vatican Embassy in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Despite tight security arrangements by the Indonesian government, including a planned motorcade, the Vatican requested a simple, everyday car for the pope’s transport. To honor his preference, Pope Francis was chauffeured in a white Toyota Innova with the special license plate “SCV 1,” signifying “Vatican City number one.”

“The choice of vehicle was based on the Vatican’s specific request for an ordinary, commonly used car. We were happy to accommodate this,” said Major General Achiruddin, commander of the Presidential Security Force (Paspampres).

Pope Francis also chose to stay at the Vatican Embassy rather than in the luxury hotel arranged by the government.

However, for the mass service at Bung Karno Stadium on Thursday, the pope will ride in a custom-made, bullet-proof tactical vehicle with a detachable roof, designed for his safety and comfort. The vehicle, known as the Maung MV3, was produced by local arms manufacturer Pindad.

“Pope Francis will use the Maung MV3 when greeting the faithful at the Bung Karno Stadium. We hope the vehicle provides the utmost comfort and safety for the pope during his time in Indonesia,” said Defense Ministry spokesman Edwin Adrian Sumantha. The vehicle has been under construction since May and was specifically tailored to suit the elderly pope's needs.

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) welcomed Pope Francis’ arrival in Jakarta, describing his visit as a significant symbol of religious tolerance and global peace amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

“The Papal visit is a pivotal moment for followers of all faiths to reaffirm their commitment to global peace,” said Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, Head of the MUI’s International Relations Division. “Religions hold the power to lead peace missions and combat all forms of oppression. They should promote human fraternity, not serve as sources of hate, conflict, or destruction.”

During his visit, Pope Francis will tour the underground “Tunnel of Friendship,” which connects the Istiqlal Mosque and the Catholic Cathedral in Jakarta. He will be accompanied by Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar.

Pope Francis is scheduled to remain in Indonesia until Friday before continuing his journey to Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore in what will be his longest and farthest trip since becoming pope in 2013.

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