Gov’t Prepares for Pope Francis’ Upcoming Visit to Indonesia

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono, accompanied by relevant agencies, gives a press statement regarding the state visit of Pope Francis at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (08/26). (Source: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr)

Head of the Presidential Secretariat Heru Budi Hartono announced the plan for Pope Francis’ first state visit at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, scheduled for early next month. Heru mentioned that Pope Francis’ visit to Jakarta will take place from September 3 to 6 this year.

“On September 3, 4, 5, and 6, we will have a state guest, His Holiness Pope Francis. On September 3, he will arrive, and on September 4, he will have official state activities, being received by the President. The details will be provided later by the Head of State Protocol,” said Heru in his press statement at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Monday (08/26).

Heru further explained that several events, including a Grand Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Complex and the Indonesia Sustainability Forum (ISF) at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), will be held on September 5, 2024. To anticipate congestion, Heru urged the public to pay attention to traffic diversions on these important dates.

“I therefore urge the public to be mindful, especially on September 5, to pay attention—details will be explained by the Head of Transportation Department, from the Police, or from the Regional Military Command or District Military Command, especially regarding traffic diversions at certain points,” he said.

On the same occasion, Director General of Protocol and Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Head of State Protocol (KPN) Andy Rachmianto added that aside from the Grand Mass, there will be other activities involving Pope Francis, including visits to Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral. Additionally, Andy mentioned that at the ISF, meetings will not only take place at the JCC but will also include a dinner reception at the National Monument Complex (Monas).

“There are several other activities involving Pope Francis, including an event at Istiqlal Mosque with the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, as well as an event at the Cathedral building in the surrounding area. As mentioned by the Acting Governor, we hope that the public can anticipate this,” said Andy. (BPMI Setpres/DNS) (AS/MUR)