President Jokowi, Bishops Conference Chairman Discuss Pancasila, Diversity

President Jokowi is accompanied by Chairman of KWI Mgr. Suharyo, Jakarta, Friday (24/8) morning. (Photo by: Jay/ Public Relations Division)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, on Friday (24/8) met with Chairman of the Indonesian Catholics Bishops Conference (KWI) Mgr. Ignatius Suharyo for silaturahmi (strengthening bonds) at the KWI office in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

The President and his entourage were welcomed directly by Mgr. Suharyo and the bishops who are members of the KWI  before having a closed-door meeting.

“During the meeting, we discussed the issues of Pancasila, diversity, differences, religion, ethnicity, customs, traditions that we must continue to safeguard. Let us maintain our brotherhood, harmony, and unity,” the President told reporters after the meeting, adding that several issues related to issues in the region were also discussed.

Asked about an 18-month sentence imposed to Melliana for a blasphemy case by the Medan District Court, the President confirmed that he has no authority to intervene in matters related to the jurisdiction. President Jokowi also stressed that his visit to KWI has nothing to do with the upcoming Presidential Election.

President Jokowi is also slated to visit the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) later in the afternoon. (FID/ES) (MUR/EP/YM/Naster).