Jakarta. Pope Francis will visit Jakarta in September and according to a diplomat, the religious leader wants to see how Indonesians can live in harmony despite their diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. 

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the populous and multifaith Indonesia on September 3-6. Indonesia officially recognizes six religions, namely Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism with Muslims making up a majority part of the population. 

The country is known for the motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or “unity in diversity”. It signifies how people live in harmony regardless of the diverse religions, cultures, and ethnicities. Indonesia also embraces the state ideology of Pancasila, which upholds monotheism and national unity, among others. “Gotong royong” (‘collaboration’) has become a commonly heard principle across the archipelago.

According to Indonesian Ambassador to the Holy See Michael Trias Kuncahyono, all these principles lay the foundation for Pope Francis’ first-ever Jakarta trip. 

“If you ask why Pope Francis is visiting Indonesia, I would say that is because he considers Indonesia to be an example. We have Pancasila, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and how it highly upholds ‘gotong royong’,” Michael told a virtual conference on Tuesday evening.

“We [Indonesia] have become a good example. We have to admit there may be some political dynamics, but that is nothing unusual. Compared to other countries, we are a harmonious society,” Michael said.

The Vatican's diplomacy is different from those of other countries, according to Michael. The Vatican does not harbor any economic, political, or militaristic interests. Michael added: “It is all about humanity, morality, ethics, and peace -- these are all that the pope has been promoting.” 

In June 2022, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo sent a letter inviting Pope Francis to the country. As many as 184 countries have established diplomatic ties with the Holy See. Indonesia will become the 66th country to receive Francis' visit since his papacy began in 2013. Jakarta will be the first stop in Pope Francis’ upcoming Asia-Pacific tour.

This will be the third time for Indonesia to host a papal visit. In 1970, then-President Soeharto greeted the visiting Pope Paul VI. Indonesia also had a visit by Pope John Paul II in 1989.