Noorhaidi Hasan
Rector of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia in September 2024 holds deep significance, particularly in fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting harmony between religious communities. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, is home to around 8 million Catholics. The visit highlights Indonesia’s tradition of religious tolerance, embodied in the national motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” (Unity in Diversity). Despite recent concerns over rising religious tensions, the Pope’s presence emphasized peace, cooperation, and mutual respect between Muslims and Christians. A key moment of his visit, welcomed warmly by President Joko Widodo and Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, was the signing of a joint declaration with the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, which called for unity in addressing global crises such as violence and environmental degradation. This act underscored the importance of religious leaders working together to combat extremism and promote peace, especially in a nation that has experienced incidents of religious violence. Furthermore, Pope Francis’ message extended to broader social and environmental issues. He urged the protection of human dignity, care for the poor, and the fight against climate change—themes closely tied to his global teachings on fraternity and care for creation. His visit was also a celebration of the bond between faiths, symbolized by the “Tunnel of Friendship” that connects Jakarta’s largest mosque and cathedral. The Pope’s outreach to Indonesia exemplifies his ongoing commitment to building bridges between faiths and addressing both spiritual and social challenges in today’s world.