Defense Minister and President-elect Prabowo Subianto recently shared a photo of himself greeting Pope Francis at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on September 4th. In the post, Prabowo welcomed the distinguished guest and expressed pride in Indonesia’s diversity and harmony.
Prabowo expressed his honor in accompanying President Joko Widodo in welcoming Pope Francis, the Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church and Head of State of the Vatican, to Indonesia. He emphasized Indonesia’s blessed diversity and harmonious way of life, citing the national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
During the meeting, President Widodo introduced Prabowo to Pope Francis as Indonesia’s 8th president-elect. Pope Francis, in turn, extended his greetings to Prabowo for his upcoming term as president, wishing him success in his service to the country.
Pope Francis also expressed his admiration for Indonesia’s national motto, highlighting the significance of “unity in diversity” as a representation of being different yet united. As part of the preparations for Pope Francis’ visit, Prabowo arranged for the use of the Maung vehicle for the Pope during his religious service at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Senayan.
