Indonesia, Holy See mark 75 years of diplomatic relations
By opening a nunciature in the Southeast Asian country in 1950, the Holy See made a great contribution to the development of the post-colonial world, and unity among the country’s many religious communities. For the Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See, the two parties “share a common perspective on many global issues,” as Pope Francis’s trip showed.
Jakarta (AsiaNews) – This week Indonesia and the Holy See marked 75 years of diplomatic relations. The Vatican had recognised Indonesia’s independence in 1947, and three years later, on 13 March 1950, established formal diplomatic relations with the Southeast Asian country.
Archbishop Albertus Soegijapranata, the first native Indonesian prelate, facilitated the move, which paved the way for the recognition of Indonesian sovereignty by other countries in Europe and the Americas.
Pope Pius XII appointed Archbishop Georges-Marie-Joseph-Hubert-Ghislain de Jonghe d'Ardoye as the first apostolic delegate (later elevated to the rank of nuncio), while Sukarjo Wiryopranoto served as Indonesia's first ambassador to the Holy See.
By appointing Archbishop de Jonghe d'Ardoye, the Vatican unequivocally demonstrated its support for Indonesia's sovereignty at a time when the country was still under the threat of Dutch colonialism.
In 75 years of diplomatic relations, three popes visited Indonesia: Paul VI (1970), John Paul II (1989) and Francis (2024); while four Indonesian presidents visited the Vatican: Sukarno (1956, 1959, 1964), Suharto (1972), Abdurrahman Wahid (2000), and Megawati Sukarnoputri (2002, 2023, 2025).
Speaking to AsiaNews, Indonesia’s ambassador to the Holy See, Michael Trias Kuncahyono, noted that the Vatican considers Indonesia a unique example of fraternity in diversity.
Indonesia's national ideology, the doctrine of "Pancasila", and its motto Unity in Diversity, (Bhinneka Tunggal Ika) embody the principle of unity between different peoples.
Pope Francis emphasised this a few months ago during his apostolic visit to Indonesia in September 2024.
“The Holy See not only appreciates this but also admires it – especially in an era when many countries are divided due to ethnic and religious differences,” he noted in a speech before then-President Joko Widodo and other dignitaries.
“Your national motto Bhinneka tunggal ika (United in Diversity, literally Many but One) captures well this multifaceted reality of diverse peoples firmly united in one nation,” Francis said.
“A harmony in diversity,” he added, “is achieved when particular perspectives take into account the needs common to all and when each ethnic group and religious denomination acts in a spirit of fraternity, pursuing the noble goal of serving the good of all.”
For its part, Indonesia recognises the Holy See as a sovereign entity without military power but endowed with immense spiritual influence that transcends national borders.
The Holy See uses moral persuasion, theological doctrine and legal agreements to shape its global commitment, focusing on spiritual, moral and humanitarian concerns, including respect for human rights, with a particular emphasis on religious freedom for all faiths.
“This commitment to human dignity,” said the Indonesian ambassador to the Holy See, “strengthens the bond between Indonesia and the Vatican.”
Some 1,729 Indonesian men and women religious study, work and serve in various Italian religious communities. Many nuns are engaged in education, elderly care, and orphanage management, while most priests continue their academic studies.
According to Ambassador Trias Kuncahyono, Indonesia and the Vatican share similar perspectives on global issues such as peace, human rights, environmental protection, food security, and access to water resources.
Both support the protection of the rights of women and children and actively promote dialogue and diplomacy in conflict areas, including Palestine, Yemen, Myanmar, Nigeria and Ukraine.
On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in particular, Indonesia and the Vatican share a clear position in support of the two-state solution.
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17/08/2016 12:54
