Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said that Pope Francis’ visit to Indonesia carries a significant message about celebrating diversity.

“This visit conveys a strong message about the importance of celebrating differences,” he said on Wednesday (4/9/2024).

President Jokowi informed Pope Francis that Indonesia is a diverse nation with 714 ethnic groups and 17,000 islands. The people across these islands have varied cultures, religions, and ethnicities, and Indonesia strives to maintain harmony amidst this diversity. For Indonesians, differences are seen as a blessing, and tolerance is vital for unity and peace.

“Indonesia is fortunate to have Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika to live in harmony,” he added, referring to the principle of Unity of Diversity adhered by Indonesia.

President Jokowi expressed a desire for Indonesia and the Vatican to spread this spirit of peace and tolerance, especially in a world increasingly fraught with turmoil. He also encouraged both Indonesians and the Vatican to celebrate and strengthen tolerance to achieve peace and a better world for all.

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