Diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Indonesia have stressed humanity and peace, and Indonesia looks to strengthen the links further, says its ambassador to the Holy See. Source: UCA News.
“Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia and the signing of the Istiqlal Declaration last September were a crowning achievement of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and the Holy See,” Michael Trias Kuncahyono said in an interview published by Vatican’s Fides news service on Tuesday.
The establishment of the diplomatic tie 75 years ago on March 13, 1950, was a politically significant event for Indonesia as it happened five years after the nation became independent from Dutch rule in 1945, Mr Kuncahyono said.
He said the first native Indonesian bishop, Bishop Albertus Sugiyopranoto (1896-1963), played vital roles in the diplomatic links, besides taking the first steps in the Vatican recognising Indonesian independence.
“The recognition by the Holy See was of immense value: the Holy See was the first European entity to recognise the Indonesian state. It led other European states to follow the example. It was a decisive step,” he said.
Indonesia’s adoption of the state philosophy “Pancasila” (five principles), which includes faith in God and oneness in diversity, made the Holy See realise there was fertile ground on which all religions could flourish, Mr Kuncahyono said.
He noted that Indonesia’s acceptance of human equality, cultural pluralism, and brotherhood aligns with Christian values, and this “unity in diversity” has garnered appreciation from the Vatican.
Pope Francis was the third pope to visit the country, following Pope Paul VI (1970) and Pope John Paul II (1989).
During Francis’ visit, “Indonesia showed its true face, a plural face, composed of people of different cultures and religions who welcomed the Pope warmly and enthusiastically,” Mr Kuncahyono said.
“Today, at the time of his illness, so many write to me, not only Catholics but also Muslims, saying: ‘Let us pray for him’.”
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Indonesia looks to strengthen Vatican links, says envoy (UCA News)
