On the sidelines of the 2nd Indonesia-Africa Forum and High-Level Forum on Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships in Badung, Bali, on Tuesday, Uno said that Indonesia is very proud of having the opportunity to receive the Pope during his Asia-Pacific apostolic journey.
After wrapping up his Indonesia visit on September 6, 2024, the leader of the Catholic Church will proceed to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
"Not only the Catholics, the entire Indonesian nation is very delighted (with the visit). This is a historic visit," he remarked.
The minister expressed the belief that the visit of the Vatican leader would further boost Indonesia's image as a tourism destination that is blessed with harmony among people of different religions.
He also pointed out that Indonesia is home to various places that offer religious tourism experiences, such as Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province.
"Hopefully, the visit of His Majesty Pope to Indonesia will help us tighten the religious harmony and tolerance this nation has been fostering. This (visit) honors us," he said.
Pope Francis landed at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Tangerang, Banten, at 11:25 a.m. local time on Tuesday before heading to Jakarta.
He is scheduled to meet President Joko Widodo at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday.
On the following day, the leader of the Holy See will participate in an interfaith dialogue at Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, before greeting beneficiaries of charitable organizations at the Office of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI).
On the same day, he will preside over a grand holy mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium complex, which will be attended by thousands of Catholics. He will leave for Papua New Guinea on September 6.
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Translator: Putu Indah, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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