Jokowi hopeful of holding peace discussions with Pope Francis

A screenshot of President Joko Widodo at the inauguration of the Leuwikeris Dam and the modernization and rehabilitation of the Menganti Irrigation Area in Tasikmalaya District, West Java, Thursday (August 29, 2024). (ANTARA/Andi Firdaus/rst)

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) hopes to be able to discuss global issues, especially peace, with Pope Francis during his apostolic journey and state visit to Indonesia in September 2024.

The president conveyed the statement after inaugurating the Leuwikeris Dam and the modernization and rehabilitation of the Menganti Irrigation Area in Tasikmalaya District, West Java, on Thursday.

"It is mostly related to peace. That is an important matter to be discussed with the Pope," he remarked.

Furthermore, Jokowi would discuss efforts to resolve world conflicts, including the situation in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as other minor conflicts with the Pope.

"We will discuss peace in all conflicts, such as in Gaza and Ukraine, and other issues in several countries to be resolved," Jokowi remarked.

The head of state also expressed his intent to accompany Pope Francis as much as possible during his visit to the Istiqlal Mosque or Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium in Jakarta.

"Yes, as much as possible, I will accompany him," Jokowi remarked.

Earlier, Chairman of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) Antonius Subianto Bunjamin stated that Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia aims for a humanitarian mission and a solidarity mission.

He expressed hope that the visit to Indonesia, which was postponed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, would make Indonesia an agent of humanitarian solidarity in Asia.

Meanwhile, Jakarta Archbishop Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo said the Vatican is interested in learning about Islam in Indonesia.

"(It is) because Islam in Indonesia is different. Hence, it is interesting for them in Europe, especially for the Vatican," he remarked.

He also said that the Istiqlal Mosque and the Jakarta Cathedral, which stand side by side, are symbols of harmonious life in Indonesia.

The Archbishop assessed that Pope Francis' visit also aims to appreciate and encourage brotherhood to continue to be maintained and developed in Indonesia.

He revealed that around 60 bishops, including one from Australia and 10 from Asian countries, would welcome Pope Francis.