Pope Francis meets Joko Widodo and rejects extremism – DW – 04.09.2024

Pope Francis and Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for interreligious dialogue and the rejection of extremism at their meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday. Indonesia is the first stop on the Pope’s 12-day trip through four countries in Asia and Oceania.

“In order to promote a peaceful and fruitful harmony that guarantees peace… the Church wishes to strengthen interreligious dialogue,” Francis said after his meeting with Widodo.

“(Extremists) try to impose their views through deception and violence by distorting religion,” he added.

Widodo echoed his sentiments, saying: “Freedom and tolerance are what Indonesia, together with the Vatican, wants to spread… in the midst of an increasingly turbulent world.”

Indonesia struggles with extremism

Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country, has struggled with extremism and militancy in areas such as Aceh province and was the scene of a major terrorist attack on the holiday island of Bali in 2002 that killed 202 people.

Although Indonesia is only three percent Catholic, that still amounts to around eight million people. The Pope’s trip underscores the growing importance of Southeast Asia and Oceania for the Vatican, as it is one of the few places in the world where the number of believers is growing.

Despite concerns about his fragile health, the Pope appeared cheerful as he greeted children in traditional dress and waving flags upon his arrival, although he was forced to use a wheelchair to get out of his car.

Later in the day, Francis was scheduled to address the faithful in Jakarta Cathedral.

On Thursday, the Pope is expected to meet with Muslim, Buddhist, Protestant, Hindu and Confucian leaders, as well as other Catholic public figures, at the Istiqlal Mosque.

His trip will also include stops in Singapore, Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea.

es/nm (AFP, Reuters)