Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population in the world at 87 percent, is also home to the third-largest Christian population in Asia. The country’s Catholic population, however, is only 2.9 percent of the total population of about 280 million. The upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia is seen as a “breath of fresh air” for all religious communities in the country, according to Ulil Abshar Abdalla, chairman of the executive board of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization with over 80 million members.
Abdalla believes the pope’s visit is important symbolically and will inspire grassroots efforts to build tolerant and respectful relationships between different religious communities. He anticipates that the visit will have a real impact on the lives and relations of Muslims and Catholics in Indonesia. Thomas Ulun Ismoyo, spokesperson for the Pope Francis Visitation Committee in Jakarta, mentioned that the visit showcases the significance of Indonesia in the eyes of the Vatican.
At The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, the oldest cathedral in Jakarta, some Catholics were moved to tears by the anticipation of the pope’s arrival. Residents in Jakarta expressed their emotional and happy feelings, reminiscent of the pope’s previous visit to Indonesia by Pope John Paul II in 1989. The upcoming visit by Pope Francis will be the first papal visit to Indonesia since then, further highlighting the significance of this event for the country’s religious community.
Overall, the Pope’s visit is expected to foster a spirit of partnership and mutual respect among different religious communities in Indonesia. The symbolism of the visit is crucial in inspiring a more tolerant and inclusive approach towards interfaith relations. The historical significance of this visit for both Muslims and Catholics in Indonesia cannot be understated, and it is seen as an opportunity to strengthen bonds and bridge divides within the country’s diverse religious landscape.
The feelings of anticipation and excitement surrounding the Pope’s visit indicate a sense of unity and shared values among Indonesians of different faiths. The visit is also seen as an acknowledgment of Indonesia’s importance in the global religious landscape, highlighting the country’s commitment to religious diversity and harmony. As preparations are made for this historic visit, there is a sense of hope and optimism for the future of interfaith relations and cooperation in Indonesia.
Ultimately, the Pope’s presence in Indonesia will serve as a catalyst for fostering dialogue, understanding, and respect among religious communities in the country. The visit is expected to leave a lasting impact on the relationships between Muslims and Catholics, paving the way for greater cooperation and solidarity in promoting peace and harmony. By emphasizing the values of tolerance and mutual respect, the Pope’s visit represents a significant step towards building a more inclusive and united religious community in Indonesia.
