Dialogue, justice, harmony, defense of the environment. Pope Francis officially begins his trip to Indonesia, after having met privately with the poor and homeless upon his arrival at the nunciature, speaking at length to the country’s authorities. And reminding the president and his collaborators what the task of politics is, that is, to have as its «goal harmony, equity, respect for fundamental human rights, sustainable developmentsolidarity and the pursuit of peace, both within society and with other peoples and nations”. Quoting the country’s motto, “Bhinneka tunggal ika” (“United in diversity“, literally “Many, but one”) recalls the “multifaceted reality of different peoples firmly united in a single Nation” and underlines “how the great biodiversity present in this archipelago is a source of wealth and splendor, similarly the specific differences contribute to forming a magnificent mosaic, in which each tile is an irreplaceable element to compose a great original and precious work”.
But this one harmony “with respect for diversity”, continues the Pontiff, “is achieved when each particular vision takes into account common needs and when each ethnic group and religious confession act in a spirit of brotherhood, pursuing the noble goal of serving the good of all. The awareness of participating in a shared history, in which each person brings their own contribution and where the solidarity of each part towards the whole is fundamental, helps to identify the right solutions, to avoid the exasperation of conflicts and to transform opposition into effective collaboration”.
A delicate balance that must be constantly defended, a craft work entrusted to everyone, but in particular to politics. For this reason, Francis also offers the help of the Catholic Church, a minority but very active and esteemed in the country. “To promote a peaceful and constructive harmony,” he declares, “that ensures peace and unites forces to defeat the imbalances and pockets of poverty, which still persist in some areas of the country, the Catholic Church wishes to increase interreligious dialogue. In this way, prejudices can be eliminated and a climate of mutual respect and trust can be fostered, which is essential for facing common challenges, including that of to counter extremism and intolerance, which – by distorting religion – try to impose themselves onmaking use of deception and violence.”
He returns again to the Constitution that Indonesia gave itself in 1945. Its preamble, he emphasizes, “offers precious indications on the direction of the path that democratic and independent Indonesia has chosen. Twice in a few lines the Preamble refers to Almighty God and to the need for His blessing to descend on the nascent State of Indonesia. Similarly, the text that opens your Fundamental Law twice deals with the social justice, hoping that an international order based on it will be established, considered among the main objectives to be achieved for the benefit of the entire Indonesian people”. The Catholic Church places itself at the service of the common good and wishes to strengthen collaboration
And so «unity in multiplicity, social justice, divine blessing are the fundamental principles, destined to inspire and guide the specific programs, they are like the supporting structure, the solid foundation on which to build the house. And how can we not notice that these principles fit very well with the motto of my visit to Indonesia: “Faith, brotherhood, compassion”? Unfortunately, however, in today’s world we find some tendencies that hinder the development of universal brotherhood”. The Pope speaks to Indonesia, but he speaks to the world when he refers to what is happening in some regions: “We note the emergence of violent conflicts, which are often the result of a lack of mutual respect, of the intolerant desire to make one’s own interests prevail at all costs, their own position, or their own partial historical narrative, even when this involves endless suffering for entire communities and leads to real bloody wars. Sometimes then they develop violent tensions within states, for the reason that those who hold power would like to make everything uniform, imposing their own vision even in matters that should be left to the autonomy of individuals or associated groups. On the other hand, despite the persuasive programmatic declarations, there are many situations in which an effective and far-sighted commitment to building social justice is lacking. The result is that a considerable part of humanity is left on the margins, without the means for a dignified existence and without defense to face serious and growing social imbalances, which trigger acute conflicts. In other contexts, however, it is believed that one can or must do without seeking God’s blessing, judging it superfluous for the human being and for civil society, which should be promoted by their own efforts, but which, in doing so, often encounter frustration and failure. On the contrary, there are cases in which faith in God is continually placed in the foreground, but often to be unfortunately manipulated and to serve not to build peace, communion, dialogue, respect, collaboration, brotherhood, but to foment divisions and increase hatred”. In the face of these situations, the Asian country can become an example: “It rejoices me,” says the Pope, “to observe how the philosophy that inspires the organization of the Indonesian State manifests wisdom and balance.” And he quotes John Paul II, who during a visit to the country in 1989 said: “In recognizing the presence of legitimate diversity, in respecting the human and political rights of all citizens and in promoting the growth of national unity based on tolerance and respect for others, you lay the foundations of that just and peaceful society that all Indonesians desire for themselves and that they want to pass on to their children.”
Finally, the Pontiff, while noting that “at times, in the course of historical events, the inspiring principles recalled above have not always had the strength to impose themselves in every circumstance”, reiterates that “they remain valid and reliable, like a lighthouse that shows the direction to take and warns of the most dangerous errors to avoid”. Principles from which it clearly follows that “opus justitiae pax, peace is the fruit of justice. Harmony is in fact achieved when each person commits himself not only to his own interests and his own vision, but also to the good of all, to build bridges, to foster agreements and synergies, to join forces with the aim of defeating every form of moral, economic and social misery, and promoting peace and harmony”.
