REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said the visit of the world's top Catholic Church leader, Pope Francis, to Indonesia had a strong message about the importance of celebrating differences.

“This visit has a very strong message about the importance of celebrating differences,” President Jokowi said in remarks at a meeting of Pope Francis with the Diplomatic Corps and representatives of the public at Istana Negara, Jakarta, on Wednesday.

During the meeting, the Head of State said that Indonesia is a composite country made up of diverse ethnic groups, namely 714 tribes and 17,000 inhabited islands.

According to the President, Indonesians on the 17,000 islands have different cultures, religions, and tribes, so Indonesians also continue to strive to maintain harmony amid the devastation they have.

For Indonesia, Jokowi said, difference is a gift, while tolerance is the fertilizer for unity and peace as a nation.

“Indonesia is very lucky to have Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika so they can live together well together,” the President said.

On the same occasion, the Pope praised Indonesia's commitment to maintaining unity amid diversity. He said the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika unites the nation of 714 tribes of the nation.

He also appreciated Indonesia's commitment to peace in the preamble of the constitution. According to him, Indonesia has good capital in matters of tolerance and peace.

“May God bless Indonesia with peace, for the sake of a hopeful future. God bless you all!” The Pope closed his speech.

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