Pope Francis was enthusiastically welcomed by people near the Vatican Embassy in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday.
Along the road to the embassy, from the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout to the Patung Kuda Monument, the Pope was seen waving his hand to the people welcoming him.
The Pope was in the passenger front seat of the Toyota Innova Zenik. While waving out to the residents, "The Smiling Pope," as he is called, also kept smiling.
At around 12:26 p.m. local time, Pope Francis and his entourage arrived at the Vatican Embassy to take a rest before continuing the agenda on Wednesday (September 4).
There was traffic around the Vatican Embassy when the Pope's car was passing by, but several motorcyclists patiently stopped to allow the entourage to pass.
Security personnel in black suits guarded the gate of the Vatican Embassy. Hundreds of police members also helped to escort the Pope's arrival.
Some people were waiting for the Pope in front of the embassy.
"I am so happy about the Pope's visit to Indonesia. I had waited for years, as it was postponed before. I feel this visit is on time, as Indonesia has many ongoing issues. I hope with the Pope's visit, Indonesia can become peaceful again," Maria, one of the people waiting there, stated.
Paula, from South Jakarta, was waiting on a hot day to see the Pope. She could not withhold her tears after having seen the Catholic church leader.
"I am happy. It is an honor to see the Pope visiting Indonesia. It was very touching. Hopefully, the Pope's visit will bring blessings and peace to Indonesia," she remarked.
Pope's visit strengthens Catholics-Muslims relations: Muhammadiyah
General chairman of Muhammadiyah, Haedar Nashir, stated that the visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia demonstrated his commitment to bolstering relations between Catholics and Muslims.
"Pope Francis' planned meeting with religious groups shows openness in interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as well as momentum to introduce Indonesia to the world as a country with diversity and harmony of religions and cultures," he remarked here on Tuesday.
Nashir noted that the Indonesian government could make the most of Pope Francis' visit to discuss issues of peace and the country's position in world peace, including in handling the Palestinian issue.
In addition, it is important to make the meeting with Pope Francis a momentum to take the initiative to play a more proactive role in world peace.
Meanwhile, he emphasized that Indonesians could emulate the act of modesty demonstrated by Pope Francis during his visit.
Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, prefers to stay in a room at the Vatican Embassy in Jakarta rather than in a star-rated hotel. He also chooses a vehicle commonly used by Indonesians instead of luxury cars usually provided for state guests and important figures.
"This act shows an example that can be an important inspiration for national leaders at the national and global levels," Nashir affirmed.
He further stated that it was an honor for Indonesia to receive Pope Francis' visit, which must be welcomed and respected
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