logo
Pope Francis' visit left a lasting impact on Indonesians

Pope Francis' visit left a lasting impact on Indonesians

Herald Malaysia21-04-2025

Historic trip in 2024 cemented Catholic-Muslim relations, inspiring many to respond to his call for solidarity and love Apr 21, 2025
Pope Francis is greeted upon his arrival at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Sept 3, 2024, for the first stop of a four-nation tour in the Asia-Pacific that was the longest of the 87-year-old's papacy. (Photo: AFP)
By Justin Wejak
Francis' legacy as a pope of mercy, reform, and interfaith dialogue left a lasting impact on both the Church and the broader world.
The world watched with deep concern as he battled a serious illness, that left him weak and unable to carry out his usual duties. Global religious leaders, political figures, and millions of devoted Catholics were praying for him.
Renowned for his humility and resilience, Pope Francis faced his suffering with the same grace that had characterized his papacy, urging the Church to remain steadfast in its mission of compassion and service.
Interfaith dialogue
In Indonesia, a country noted for its religious diversity and strong interfaith values, people will remember Pope Francis as a leader who emphasized compassion, humility, and dialogue among different religious communities.
His efforts to foster peace and understanding among people of various faiths resonated with Indonesia's national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
Pope Francis consistently advocated for harmonious coexistence, which resonated deeply in Indonesia, where Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Confucianists, and other faith groups live side by side.
His historic visit to the Muslim-majority nation in 2024 and his endeavors to strengthen Catholic-Muslim relations were particularly appreciated by Indonesians, as the country itself worked to uphold religious tolerance.
During that visit, he received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from both Catholics and followers of other faiths.
This was the first papal visit to the country in decades, and his arrival was celebrated with grand festivities, interfaith gatherings, and warm receptions from religious leaders and government officials.
Thousands of Indonesians lined the streets to welcome him, reflecting the nation's deep respect for his message of peace, unity, and compassion.
During his visit, he stressed the importance of religious harmony, praised Indonesia's dedication to diversity, and encouraged the faithful to continue fostering dialogue and understanding.
His presence had a lasting impact, strengthening ties between the Vatican and Indonesia while inspiring many to respond to his call for solidarity and love.
A compassionate pope
Indonesian Catholics, a small yet significant minority, will likely remember Pope Francis as a shepherd who cared deeply for the marginalized and the poor.
His emphasis on social justice, environmental care, and advocacy for migrants and the underprivileged reflected the values many Indonesian Catholics uphold daily.
Many churches in Indonesia actively participate in community outreach programs, and Pope Francis' teachings on love, mercy, and service strengthened their dedication to assisting those in need.
His encyclicals, such as Laudato Si' , which focused on environmental responsibility, resonate in Indonesia, a country grappling with deforestation and climate change.
The encyclical, published in 2015, delivered a powerful message about the urgent need to care for our common home, the Earth.
Rooted in Catholic social teaching, it called for ecological conversion, urging individuals, governments, and businesses to take responsibility for the environment and confront the devastating impacts of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Pope Francis emphasized that environmental destruction disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized, making ecological justice a moral imperative.
He critiqued consumerism, excessive reliance on fossil fuels, and economic systems that prioritize profit over people and the planet. Instead, he advocated sustainable development, responsible stewardship of natural resources, and a renewed sense of global solidarity to protect creation for future generations.
His message will serve as both a spiritual and ethical call to action, encouraging humanity to embrace a more harmonious relationship with nature.
The younger generation of Indonesians, particularly those involved in social activism and humanitarian work, will likely remember Pope Francis as a progressive leader who championed human rights and inclusivity.
His support for youth engagement, education, and digital connectivity aligned with Indonesia's rapidly growing young population, which is becoming increasingly active in global discussions about justice and equality.
Many young Indonesians admire leaders who challenge social inequalities, and Pope Francis' outspoken stance against corruption, economic disparity, and discrimination will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on them.
His efforts to make the Catholic Church more open and welcoming, especially to marginalized communities, were viewed as an inspiring model for religious institutions in Indonesia.
Peace and reconciliation
Indonesians will remember Pope Francis' emphasis on peace and reconciliation in the context of past religious and ethnic conflicts in the country.
As we know, Indonesia has experienced numerous religious and ethnic conflicts throughout its history, often arising from political, economic, and social tensions.
One of the most notable periods of violence occurred during the late 1990s and early 2000s, particularly in regions like Maluku, Poso (Central Sulawesi), and West Kalimantan.
In Maluku, long-standing tensions between Christian and Muslim communities escalated into violent clashes, resulting in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
In Poso, sectarian violence similarly erupted, driven by competition for resources and political power.
Ethnic conflicts also emerged, such as the tensions between Indigenous Dayaks and Madurese migrants in Kalimantan, leading to deadly riots and mass turmoil displacement.
Pope Francis' calls for forgiveness and healing aligned with the efforts of many Indonesian leaders and activists who tirelessly work to bridge divides and create a more harmonious society.
His ability to connect with people of various faiths and nationalities reminded us that religious leaders can be powerful advocates for unity, not division.
In a nation that continues to navigate the complexities of multiculturalism, Pope Francis's legacy embodies bridge-building, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to the common good.
His legacy will endure, and his message of love and solidarity will continue to inspire Indonesians to foster a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society.--ucanews.com

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump says to set unilateral tariffs within weeks
Trump says to set unilateral tariffs within weeks

Borneo Post

time6 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

Trump says to set unilateral tariffs within weeks

Trump holds the US$5 million dollar Gold Card as he speaks to reporters while in flight on board Air Force One, en route to Miami, Florida on April 3, 2025. – AFP photo WASHINGTON (June 12): President Donald Trump plans to inform trading partners of unilateral US tariff rates in the coming weeks, as a July deadline approaches for steeper levies to kick in on dozens of economies. 'We're going to be sending letters out in about a week and a half, two weeks, to countries telling them what the deal is,' Trump told reporters late Wednesday, at the Kennedy Center in Washington where he was attending a theatre performance. In April, Trump imposed a blanket 10 percent tariff on most US trading partners and unveiled higher individual rates on dozens of economies including India and the European Union — although he swiftly paused the elevated rates. While negotiations have been ongoing, the pause on those higher duties is due to expire on July 9. So far, Washington has only announced a trade deal with the UK, alongside a temporary tariff de-escalation with China. Tensions remain elevated between the world's two biggest economies, with Washington recently accusing Beijing of slow-walking export approvals for rare earth minerals. It remains unclear if the steeper levies will return for all countries in early July. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers earlier Wednesday that an extended pause is possible for those 'negotiating in good faith.' 'There are 18 important trading partners. We are working toward deals on those,' he said. Bessent said it is likely that for countries or trading blocs such as the EU, Washington would decide to 'roll the date forward to continue the good faith negotiations.' The Treasury chief added that following conversations with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, 'it's my belief that with smaller countries where we have lower levels of trade, we may be able to do a one-size-fits-all regional deal.' Trump's wide-ranging tariffs and higher rates on goods from China have roiled financial markets, snagged supply chains and weighed on consumer sentiment. While many of the levies also face court challenges, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has dismissed concerns that these could prompt countries to slow-run negotiations. – AFP

'Trump's brain' behind migration crackdown
'Trump's brain' behind migration crackdown

New Straits Times

time6 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

'Trump's brain' behind migration crackdown

FOR Stephen Miller, the architect of United States President Donald Trump's hardline migration policy, the protests in Los Angeles were nothing less than the frontline of a "fight to save civilisation itself". Hyper-loyalist Miller, 39, has carved out a niche as Trump's most powerful and hawkish adviser on the Republican's signature issue of immigration. A combative presence on the White House driveway, Miller is frequently rolled out in public to double down on the president's comments in front of the cameras and frequently spars with reporters. But the sharp-suited adviser's comments on Los Angeles — which echo hard-right talking points about the decline of the West as it faces an "invasion" of migrants — underscored that the topic is not just political for him, but existential. His fingerprints have been all over the White House's unprecedented assertion of its right to use presidential power to pursue its agenda, often using centuries-old or rarely cited laws to deport migrants. And Miller, who is formally Trump's Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Homeland Security Adviser, is at the sharp end of things, too. It was Miller who, according to the Wall Street Journal, issued US Immigration and Customs Enforcement with orders last month to step up its work after the number of daily deportations under Trump fell below those carried out by Joe Biden's administration last year. Those orders led to the immigration raids on a Home Depot in Los Angeles that triggered clashes between protesters and federal agents — and Trump's decision to send in thousands of troops. Miller has since taken to social media to battle Democrats who accuse Trump of authoritarianism. "We've been saying for years this is a fight to save civilisation. Anyone with eyes can see that now," he said on X on Sunday. A few days earlier, he set out his right-wing worldview more explicitly as he pushed for Trump's new "big, beautiful" spending bill, which contains provisions for migration. "We will be debating these matters over the ruins of the West if we don't control migration," he wrote on June 4. Critics say such comments echo the far-right "replacement theory" about migration undermining Western society. Indeed, during Trump's first term, Miller's hardline stance made him something of an outlier. As a young firebrand, Miller was one of the architects of the so-called "Muslim travel bans" in Trump's first presidency, which later ran into legal difficulties after they were poorly drafted. Miller largely avoided the chaotic feuding that engulfed Trump's first White House, resulting in somewhat more moderate voices winning out on immigration policies. Miller, however, remained loyal, and stuck by his boss even as Trump's first term ended in the disgrace of the US Capitol attack on Jan 6, 2021. In the second Trump administration, Miller's views have become mainstream. "I call Stephen 'Trump's brain'," Republican former House speaker Kevin McCarthy told the New York Times just before Trump's inauguration. Miller was the driving force in particular behind the use of an obscure 200-year-old wartime law to deport undocumented migrants — and a vocal defender when that crackdown saw a man wrongly deported to El Salvador. He also outraged Democrats when he said on May 9 the White House was "looking into" suspending habeas corpus, which would prevent migrants targeted for mass deportations from appealing for their right to appear in court. One blip, however, came when Miller and his wife Katie found themselves caught up in the split between Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Katie Miller had been a senior adviser and spokesman in Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. But the couple now find themselves, professionally speaking, on opposite sides of the break-up between the world's richest person and its most powerful.

PM Anwar conveys condolences over crash of Air India flight
PM Anwar conveys condolences over crash of Air India flight

Borneo Post

time7 hours ago

  • Borneo Post

PM Anwar conveys condolences over crash of Air India flight

Firefighters work at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad today – AFP photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 12): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of all those affected by the crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad, India. 'I was deeply distressed to learn of the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad. On behalf of the government and people of Malaysia, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected. 'We share in India's sorrow and stand in full solidarity as relief efforts continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with everyone mourning this terrible loss,' he said in a Facebook post today. The London-bound flight, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed today shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport in the western state of Gujarat. Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians were onboard. – Bernama Ahmedabad Air India anwar ibrahim condolences crashed lead

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store