Jakarta, Security measures are intensifying at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Gelora Bung Karno Stadium as Indonesia prepares for Pope Francis' visit from Sept. 3-6. A special stamp has also been issued to commemorate the Pope's apostolic journey."

As part of Operation Tri Brata Jaya 2024, security patrols and sterilization measures are being conducted to ensure the safety of the VVIP guest. "We are patrolling Terminals 1 through 4 and Cargo Terminals to ensure a secure environment," said Chief of Soekarno-Hatta Police Roberto Pasaribu on Monday.

A total of 270 personnel from the Jakarta Metro Police, Indonesian Military (TNI), and Aviation Security are involved in this operation. 

Additional measures include sweeping routes for potential hazards and securing the area from the parking lot to the airport's exit.

Holy Mass Preparations
Ahead of Pope Francis' Holy Mass at Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Senayan, South Jakarta, on Thursday, preparations are in full swing.

An archway has been constructed at the North Plaza to guide attendees. Similar archways are also in place at the East and Southeast Plazas.

Tents have been set up for screening attendees before they enter the stadium. Additionally, tactical vehicles and the Police Mobile Brigade personnel have been arriving since the afternoon.

A total of 9,030 combined personnel are being deployed for Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia. Admiral Agus Hariadi, Commander of the Joint Defense Area Command I, said that among these, 4,300 are from the  military and 4,730 from the police

For the Holy Mass at GBK, only attendees with wristband tickets will be allowed entry. Those without wristband tickets will not be permitted into the GBK stadium area.

Pope Francis Special Edition Stamp

Meanwhile, to commemorate Pope Francis' visit, a special stamp has been launched by state post office company Pos Indonesia, priced at Rp 63,000 ($4) per sheet. The stamps, available in denominations of Rp 3,500 and Rp 40,000, celebrate the Pope's apostolic journey to Indonesia.

“This stamp will serve as a memento of Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia,” Ignasius Jonan, Chair of the Pope Francis Visit Committee in Indonesia, said on Monday.

Pos Indonesia also issued special stamps for previous papal visits, including those of Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1989.

Pope Francis' visit will include meetings with President Joko Widodo, an interfaith dialogue at Istiqlal Mosque, and engagements with charity beneficiaries.