REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — The Indonesian government welcomes the visit of Pope Francis, who is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on 3-6 September 2024. Ahead of the arrival, the Government is preparing thoroughly all the necessities required during Pope Francis's visit to Indonesia.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the Indonesian government is currently preparing for the arrival of Pope Francis to Indonesia. Earlier, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had sent a letter to Pope Francis through the Vatican's Holy See Ambassador in Jakarta.

“Yes, Pope Francis is planning to visit Indonesia. We are preparing everything now, Together with the Holy See of the Vatican and relevant stakeholders, the Indonesian Government continues to make good preparations for the visit,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy for Coordination of the Unity of Nations of the Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Coordinator (Kemenko Polhukam), Janedjri M. Gaffar said that his party was preparing for the arrival of Pope Francis. As directed by the President through the Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security (Menko Polhukam), Hadi Tjahjanto, the Government will ensure that Pope Francis's visit to Indonesia will proceed in an orderly, safe and smooth manner.

“As directed by Menkok Polhukam, we will all discuss the readiness of all elements in order for Pope Francis's visit to go well,” Janedjri said.

He added that the Government is currently paying special attention to two activities, namely the smooth running of Pope Francis's activities in Jakarta and Pope Francis's activities in East Timor, as they could potentially lead to the movement of WNI from NTT to Dilli.

“The movement of WNI from NTT to Dilli in large quantities certainly requires management because it will be related to the aspects of security, health, and logistical readiness, so preparation in the form of anticipated steps by Ministries/Institutions and related stakeholders is required. On the other hand, let's not forget that the series of activities of the Pope in Jakarta must also be ensured its smoothness,” he said.

The same was also conveyed by the Secretary General of the Pope Francis Committee to Indonesia from KWI, Romo Siswantoko. According to Romo Siswantoko that the set of activities of Pope Francis in Jakarta has been optimally prepared by the committee.

“We from the committee express our appreciation to the Government. The Pope's visit to Indonesia is a manifestation of the state's presence in the service of Catholics throughout Indonesia,” he said.

Romo Siswantoko also said that it has maximized a number of preparations in order to welcome the arrival of Pope Francis to Indonesia.

“We will also maximize preparations in welcoming the arrival of Pope Francis so that it can proceed safely and smoothly,” he concluded.