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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar announced that a Vatican delegation is scheduled to visit Indonesia in December 2025. This trip serves as a follow-up to the Istiqlal Declaration signed in September 2024."We've had intensive meetings with Roman authorities. They are eager to follow up on the Istiqlal Declaration, which is deemed to be more concrete and measurable," Nasaruddin stated in an official Ministry of Religious Affairs' statement released in Jakarta on Thursday, October 30, 2025.Nasaruddin made this announcement after participating in the "Daring Peace" International Peace Forum in the Vatican, Rome. During the event, Nasaruddin met with Pope Leo XIV and several world religious leaders, where they discussed the implementation plans for the Istiqlal Declaration.The Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque specified that the upcoming meeting will center on three core themes: dehumanization, post-war situations, and environmental preservation. These three issues are considered to have a direct connection with the welfare and long-term sustainability of human life."The Vatican authorities emphasize the importance of global collaboration in addressing humanitarian crises and the environment," he commented.He noted that the December meeting will primarily focus on formulating a joint program between Indonesia and the Vatican. The program's main focus areas will cover interfaith education, the strengthening of human values, and sustainable environmental advocacy."Indonesia and the Vatican share the same commitment to strengthening peace, tolerance, and social justice," the Minister affirmed.In addition to discussing bilateral cooperation, the meeting in Rome also created opportunities for Indonesia to enhance its role in global interfaith forums. Nasaruddin mentioned that many world religious leaders hope Indonesia can become a center for global dialogue and peace initiatives."It's time for Indonesia to become an essential factor in creating world peace. We have long-standing experience in managing diversity, which serves as a significant asset to contribute at the international level," he said.The Istiqlal-Vatican Declaration was originally signed at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta during the late Pope Francis's visit to Indonesia in September 2024. The document was signed by the late Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar.The declaration itself was created as a response to two major global crises: dehumanization and climate change. It specifically reaffirms that religious values are a source of solutions to global challenges, spanning from dehumanization and climate change to social inequality.Editor’s Choice: Visiting Vatican, Indonesia's Religious Affairs Minister Reminisces Friendship with Late Pope FrancisClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
