The suspects were planning terrorist activities targeting the Pope and other Catholic figures. The arrests were part of an ongoing investigation into extremist activities in Indonesia.

National Police's Special Detachment spokesman, Colonel Aswin Siregar, said the arrests were made between 2 and 5 September. They came after a thorough online investigation that tracked the suspects' digital footprints.

"We have a mechanism to monitor and filter. We had tip-off information from members of the public" Siregar said.

The suspects, believed to be linked to the Islamic State (ISIS), had been using social media to spread messages promoting violence. They are accused of posting statements and images online that threatened bomb attacks on the pope's public meetings in Jakarta.

Colonel Siregar said the threats against Pope Francis included a plan to disrupt security protocols and commit suicide bombings.

"I will blow myself up" one suspect posted on social media. Another posted on TikTok his plans "to gun down Francis".

Motives being probed

Siregar said the police are probing "the motives" of all those who have been apprehended. He added that, even though intended as jokes, threats can be subject to punishment under a law dealing with terrorism.

Indonesian authorities said the suspects monitored the Pope's schedule and movements. While no evidence suggests an immediate plan, their social media activity indicated intentions to harm the Pope.

One source told The Straits Times the terrorists were angry about Pope Francis's visit to Jakarta's Istiqlal mosque. They were also incensed at the government's appeal to television stations to refrain from the usual broadcasting of the Islamic call to prayer while the live broadcast of Pope Francis's visit was in session.

Call for tolerance

On 5 September Pope Francis met with the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque. They signed a declaration calling for tolerance and issued a series of appeals based on their respective religious teachings, the first of which was to promote their religious traditions "in order to defeat the culture of violence and indifference afflicting our world".

"Indeed, religious values should be directed towards promoting a culture of respect, dignity, compassion, reconciliation and fraternal solidarity in order to overcome both dehumanisation and environmental destruction" they said.

Sources

UCA News

Crux Now

Channel News Asia

CathNews New Zealand

The pontiff made the appeal during a speech to national leaders in Jakarta on 4 September at the start of his three-day visit to the country.

Speaking with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and other officials, Pope Francis highlighted the nation's cultural and religious diversity as a source of strength.

Francis emphasised the importance of mutual respect and collaboration among different ethnic and religious groups to maintain social harmony.

"Just as the ocean is the natural element uniting all Indonesian islands, mutual respect for the specific cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious characteristics of all the groups present in Indonesia is the indispensable and unifying fabric that makes Indonesians a united and proud people" the pope said.

"A harmony in diversity is achieved when particular perspectives take into account the needs common to all" he added.

Religious extremism

While Indonesia is known for its general climate of tolerance, incidents of religious extremism have caused concern.

In recent months, authorities foiled an alleged plot by Islamic extremists to bomb two Catholic churches in East Java. And Catholic students in Jakarta were assaulted by a mob while praying.

Although these incidents were not directly linked to the Pope's visit, they illustrate challenges faced by minority religious communities in the country.

Interfaith dialogue

Pope Francis reaffirmed the Catholic Church's dedication to strengthening interfaith dialogue, emphasising its importance in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. He noted that this approach is crucial in tackling shared challenges to combat extremism and intolerance.

He said that these efforts can overcome prejudices and develop a climate of mutual respect and trust. They will also help address "the imbalances and suffering still present in some areas".

Pope Francis will privately meet Jesuits serving in Indonesia after meeting with national authorities. He will then meet with bishops, clergy and members of religious communities serving in the country, and young people involved in the Scholas Occurentes organisation.

Pope Francis is in Jakarta during a broader 2-13 September visit to Asia and Oceania. He will stay in the city until 6 September when he flies to Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea.

Sources

Crux Now

Catholic News Agency

CathNews New Zealand

The pontiff arrived in Jakarta on 3 September, marking the start of his 12-day trip across Asia and Oceania.

On 5 September, Pope Francis is expected to preside over a large interfaith gathering at Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.

The mosque is located opposite Jakarta's Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. The two iconic sites are linked by a "fraternity tunnel" which symbolises religious unity and will be opened to the public after the pope's visit.

Joy and enthusiasm

Indonesian Catholics and non-Catholics alike have welcomed the pope's Indonesia visit with joy and enthusiasm.

Maria Jovita, a 21-year-old Catholic student, said the pope's visit inspires young people. "The pope is not just the supreme leader of the Catholic Church but also an icon of global peace" she said.

"The papal visit emboldens the spirit of Catholic youth across Indonesia and also youths from other faiths" she told UCA News.

Muslim residents have also praised Pope Francis for his commitment to promoting peace and interfaith dialogue. Nabila Aprilia, a Muslim who plans to attend the interfaith meeting, said "I welcome the pope because his visit unites all religions in Indonesia".

"I am glad he will visit the mosque, and Muslims feel proud of it" she added.

Yahya Cholil Staquf, the chairman of Indonesia's largest liberal Muslim organisation Nahdatul Ulama, which has 80 million followers, was among those who welcomed Francis when he arrived at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.

Cholil said the pope was welcome to "enjoy the country of unity, tolerance and brotherhood".

Peace and brotherhood

Pope Francis' Indonesia visit underscores his global appeal for harmony. He continues to advocate for peace in conflict regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East.

His prior efforts, including signing the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity with Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, are also recognised for fostering Christian-Muslim solidarity.

The Abu Dhabi Document is hailed as a Muslim-Christian manifesto for world peace and brotherhood based on religious harmony.

Sources

UCA News

Channel News Asia

CathNews New Zealand