“François’ exceptional visit will touch the whole country”
On the eve of the Pope’s visit to Jakarta, what state of mind are you in?
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo : The prospect of this visit fills the entire Catholic community of Indonesia with joy. But Pope Francis is just as eagerly awaited by Indonesian Protestants and Muslims. His unique personality, his long and deep religious experience, his modest and humble way of life give him an immense aura that commands respect from all. He is an example not only for Catholics but for the entire Indonesian population who perceive him as a man of faith and a religious leader to be respected. We are all honored by his visit.
What message do you expect from him for the Church and Indonesia as a whole?
IS: For us, his presence is in itself a message of encouragement. He tells us that the Indonesian Catholic community is on the right path, that it must mature its faith and deepen its spirituality. The theme of this visit is “faith, brotherhood, compassion”. The life dynamics of the Catholic Church in Indonesia can be summed up in these three words. This means that the Pope will encourage them. Moreover, these themes are easily accessible to other religious communities in the country because fraternity is not exclusive to Catholics but concerns all Indonesian citizens. As well as compassion, which goes beyond the Catholic universe. The exceptional visit of Pope Francis will touch all of Indonesia.
Precisely, how is inter-religious dialogue going in Indonesia where 90% of the population is Muslim?
IS: Living in harmony with different religious communities has been Indonesia’s ideal since its independence in 1945. The construction of the Istiqlal Grand Mosque opposite the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in the heart of Jakarta is a shining symbol of this. And the construction of the “Friendship Tunnel” that now connects the two religious buildings further reinforces this ideal of friendship and mutual respect. Muslims have immense respect for us. And it is mutual.
However, not everything is perfect between the different communities?
IS: Indeed, but Indonesia is a huge country made up of multiple cultures, languages, ethnicities… and sometimes relations can be strained from one place to another. But overall, we have good relations with other religious communities and the government strives to encourage and defend peaceful religious cohabitation. Violence on the religious front has greatly diminished in recent years. It was not religious conflicts but political manipulations of religion that played on religious divisions. Given the complexity of Indonesian society, we can say that examples of violence are marginal.
What is the place of Catholics, a minority, in Indonesian society?
IS: We are citizens like any other, free to practice our religion without restriction. Many Catholics work in the administration, sometimes in high positions. Like all other religious communities, they have the same responsibility to advance education or health to preserve the ideal of the country’s independence.
In this very specific Indonesian context, what is the symbolism of this papal trip?
IS: This visit has several meanings for us. First, by coming, he recognizes our existence as an Indonesian Catholic Church, even if it is a minority, alive and engaged in the world Church. On the other hand, Pope Francis recognizes that Indonesia is a strong example of living together between different communities. This is a major dimension. I also think that the Vatican wants to know more about Indonesian Islam, which has nothing to do with the Islam of the Middle East. Here we live a tolerant Islam and the country closely monitors the influences that may come from Pakistan or Afghanistan.
For the Indonesian Catholic Church, what are the major challenges you face today?
IS: I am often asked this question. You know, in our country there are many places of worship and religious practice is very active. However, there is a lot of corruption, human trafficking, suicides… This means that faith has not yet succeeded in transforming life. The challenges of the Church are the same as those facing humanity: consumerism, post-truth, globalization, international conflicts. But I think that in the face of all these perils, interreligious dialogue will be able, in the long run, to meet these challenges.
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The largest Muslim country in the world
Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world.
– Of the 280 million inhabitants, 88% are Muslims, or more than 200 million believers.
– It is a republic whose constitution guarantees religious freedom.
– Islam was established in the archipelago between the 13the and the XVIe century.
– Two major Muslim organizations structure the faithful in Indonesia:
The Nahdlatul Ulama (Renaissance of the Ulema) or NU, founded in 1926, embodies a traditional Islam that brings together more than 100 million followers. It focuses on social and religious issues, less political.
Muhammadiyah, founded in 1912, is said to have more than 95 million followers and focuses more on a “modernist” Islam, which covers Muslim law, women, youth, education, health.
