Pope Francis has urged political leaders in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, to guard against religious extremism.
Dangers Of Religious Extremism
The 87 year-old pope said that religious extremism distorts people’s religious beliefs through “deception and violence”.
In his first speech during an ambitious 12-day journey across Southeast Asia, the pontiff said the Catholic Church would increase its efforts toward inter-religious unity.
Christians constitute a small minority of the regional population.
Speech At Jakarta’s Merdeka Presidential Palace
“In this way, prejudices can be eliminated, and a climate of mutual respect and trust can grow,”
He was addressing to some 300 politicians and religious leaders at Jakarta’s Merdeka Presidential Palace.
“This is indispensable for meeting common challenges, including that of countering extremism and intolerance, which through the distortion of religion attempt to impose their views by using deception and violence.”
Indonesia’s Population
Indonesia has a population of about 280 million people. Muslims constitute 87 per cent of the total population in Indonesia. Indonesia’s Constitution guarantees Freedom of Religion.
Incidents Of Extremist Violence In Indonesia In Recent Years
In recent years, a few incidents of extremist violence have taken place in Indonesia. These include suicide bomb attacks in 2021 and 2022.
The suicide bombers were persons affiliated with the Islamic State-inspired group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).
The 2021 incident took place just before the Christian Easter holiday, and wounded at least 19 people.
Pope Francis Received A Warm reception
Francis received a very warm reception on arrival at the presidential palace.
Crowds waved small Vatican and Indonesian flags as his car arrived at the presidential palace.
Dorothea Dawai, a school child aged 10, was among the group welcoming the pope. The girl, dressed in green kebaya, a traditional Indonesian dress, said she hoped to ask for a blessing.
The pontiff, who suffers from knee and back pain, was seated in a wheelchair as he left his car.
He met Indonesia President Joko Widodo outside the building. The two leaders were saluted by an honour guard that played the Indonesian and Vatican anthems.
Meeting In Presidential Palace
After this, they headed inside the Presidential palace for a private meeting.
Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, is stepping down in October after 10 years in office.
Pope Francis Drew Attention To Extremism, Intolerance And Manipulation Of Religion
In his public remarks, Francis did not mention any specific violent incidents, but made several references to extremism, intolerance and manipulation of religion.
“There are times when faith in God is … sadly manipulated to foment divisions and increase hatred instead of furthering peace, communion, dialogue, respect, cooperation and fraternity.”
Francis delivered the speech on the first working day of the trip to Southeast Asia and the Pacific. His itinerary include stops in Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore.
(With Inputs From Reuters)
