Prabowo Subianto, the Defense Minister and President-elect, recently met with Pope Francis at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on September 4th. Prabowo shared a photo of their handshake on social media, expressing pride in Indonesia’s diversity and harmony.
Accompanying President Joko Widodo in welcoming Pope Francis, Prabowo extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest, emphasizing Indonesia’s motto of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Before the handshake, President Widodo introduced Prabowo as Indonesia’s 8th president-elect to Pope Francis.
In response, Pope Francis conveyed his greetings to Prabowo for his upcoming term as president, expressing admiration for Indonesia’s national motto of unity in diversity. He remarked that the motto reflects the concept of “different but still one”.
As part of the preparations for Pope Francis’ visit, Prabowo arranged for the use of the Maung vehicle for the Pope during his religious service at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Senayan.
