Pope and Indonesian Interfaith Youth Unite in Historic Jakarta-Vatican Declaration
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: Representatives of Indonesia’s interfaith youth organizations and Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, formally signed the Jakarta-Vatican Declaration during a Papal Audience held in Vatican City on Wednesday. This landmark declaration emphasizes the shared commitment of these diverse groups to promoting justice and peace on a global scale.
The youth organizations involved in the declaration represent a broad spectrum of Indonesia’s religious diversity, including the Catholic Youth Organization, the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (GAMKI), the Muslim Ansor Youth Movement and Muhammadiyah Youth, the Indonesian Hindu Youth Association (Paradah), and Gema Khonghuchu, which represents Chinese religions.
“The Pope respects Indonesia and the national ideology of Pancasila. He is even willing to sign the Jakarta-Vatican Declaration initiated by the multifaith Indonesian youth,” stated Ansor Youth Movement Chief Addin Jauharudin in a written statement.
Catholic Youth Organization Chief Stefanus Asat Gusma affirmed the commitment of Catholic and other faith-based youth groups to implementing the declaration’s principles.
The “Jakarta-Vatican Declaration for Justice and Peace in the World” outlines three key commitments by Indonesian interfaith youth. These include upholding and practicing the values of Pancasila as a source of positive energy for global civilization and encouraging youth worldwide to foster a culture of tolerance, solidarity, and mutual assistance.
Additionally, the Indonesian youth pledge to disseminate the views and values enshrined in the “Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together,” commonly known as the Abu Dhabi Declaration, to further the cause of global peace and justice. This declaration, originally signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayeb, in 2019, represents a significant milestone in interfaith relations.
The signing of the Jakarta-Vatican Declaration coincides with the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia, scheduled for September 3-6, 2024. During this visit, the Pope is expected to meet with President Joko Widodo, visit the Indonesian Bishop Conference (KWI) headquarters, attend an interfaith meeting at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, and lead a mass at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
Indonesia will be the first stop on the Pope’s Southeast Asian tour, which also includes visits to Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore.
