Labuan Bajo, E Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) - Minister of Human Rights, Natalius Pigai, has said that President Prabowo Subianto is seeking the Catholic Church's support through strategic partnerships to support various government programs.

"He (the President) also conveyed his intention to establish a very strategic partnership with and receive full support from the Catholic Church in order to succeed people-oriented programs that we all know," he added here on Friday.

He made the remarks at a gathering after the ordination of the Bishop of Labuan Bajo, Monsignor Maximilianus Rex, in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai district, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

According to Pigai, the support of the Catholic Church is needed so that the implementation of government programs and policies under the leadership of Prabowo and Gibran Rakabuming Raka can reach the community.

"It is impossible to reach the people who need help without the church's support," he said.

He also conveyed Prabowo's best wishes on the ordination of Monsignor Maximilianus Rex.

"He (the President) also expressed his gratitude to Catholics who always maintain security, conduciveness, and always respect the government's work programs," Pigai said.

Meanwhile, the acting district head of West Manggarai, Ondy Christian Siagian, said that with the ordination of the first bishop of the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, he expects that the partnership between the government and the Catholic church will continue to run well.

"We know that development must be carried out together, both by the government, the community, and religious elements, in this case, the diocese," he added.

He expressed the hope that the newly ordained bishop will work to further increase harmony and tolerance between religious communities in Labuan Bajo.

"We hope that the existence of a diocese will maintain tolerance and diversity in Labuan Bajo because we know that Labuan Bajo is an international and national tourist destination in Indonesia," he said.

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Translator: Gecio V, Kenzu
Editor: Arie Novarina
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