Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has appointed Indonesia's 7th President, Joko Widodo or Jokowi, to attend Pope Francis' funeral at the Vatican. In addition to Jokowi, Prabowo delegated Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Djiwandono, and former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan.
"We hope this delegation can represent our nation in conveying sympathy and condolences," said State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi at the Ministry of State Secretariat Office in Jakarta, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
Prasetyo stated that the delegation is scheduled to depart on Thursday or by Friday at the latest. The Indonesian government also expressed its condolences over Pope Francis' passing.
President Prabowo Subianto paid tribute to Pope Francis in a condolence following the Pope's death on Monday morning, April 21, 2025.Prabowo expressed his sorrow upon receiving the news of Pope Francis' passing through his official Instagram account. He stated that the world had lost a role model deeply committed to peace, humanity, and brotherhood.
"Pope Francis' visit to Jakarta last year left a deep impression not only among Catholics but in the hearts of all Indonesians," said Prabowo in a caption on his Instagram post.
Prabowo shared two photos of himself shaking hands with the Pope during his latest visit to Jakarta. He expressed admiration for the Pope's messages of simplicity, pluralism, advocacy for the poor, and compassion for others. According to Prabowo, those messages will always inspire everyone.
"Farewell, Holy Father. Your message to uphold Bhinneka Tunggal Ika will forever remain in our hearts," Prabowo said.
Pope Francis visited Indonesia for four days from September 3 to 6, 2024, as part of his apostolic journey. During his stay, the Pope met with the 7th President, Jokowi, visited the Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque, and held a grand Mass at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Casa Santa Marta, Vatican. At 9:45 a.m. local time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the 88-year-old pope's death from Casa Santa Marta.
Pope Francis passed away after returning home from the hospital. He was admitted to Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic Hospital on Friday, February 14, 2025, after suffering from bronchitis for several days.
His condition gradually worsened. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, doctors diagnosed Pope Francis with bilateral pneumonia. After 38 days in the hospital, the late Pope returned to his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, for recovery.
– Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to this article
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1999854/indonesia-sends-jokowi-for-pope-francis-funera