Nanda Perdana Putra, Jakarta – A protest action was held by a number of people across from the Vatican Embassy in South Jakarta shortly before Pope Francis returned from the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta today, Wednesday September 4.
The protesters, who articulated concerns over human rights in the land of Papua, gathered at around 10.30 am carrying a number of placards with pictures of Pope Francis.
It appeared that some of them were only wearing koteka (penis gourd), a type of traditional Papuan clothing. Police officers also formed a line to ensure that Pope Francis' journey from the Palace to the Vatican Embassy was conducive.
As the supreme leader of the Catholic Church passed by, the enthusiastic shouts of the residents were mixed with those of the protesters. The welcoming people around the Vatican Embassy greeted Pope Francis and waved to each other.
Across the street meanwhile, the human rights protesters shouted their aspirations for Papua. "Pope, Papua. Papua", shouted the protesters on Wednesday.
From inside his car Pope Francis could be seen focusing only on the people who were on the sidewalk beside his vehicle's window. The shouts of the protesters were apparently not very audible so before he had time to turn around, the vehicle had entered the Vatican Embassy.
Pope Francis continued his agenda to meet privately with members of the Society of Jesus at the Vatican Embassy, after meeting face to face with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo earlier.
A number of invited guests were observed arriving earlier a 10.20 am. Pope Francis himself was scheduled to arrive at the Embassy at around 11.30 am.
The Catholic congregation of the Bandung City Cathedral Church meanwhile prepared special clothing and hats to meet the Pope at the Bung Karno Sports Complex (GBK) in Jakarta on Thursday September 5.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Massa Gelar Aksi HAM Papua di Kedubes Vatikan Usai Paus Fransiskus Temui Jokowi".]
