Vatican-Indonesian Diplomatic Relation

I am very glad to present this e-site of the Apostolic Nunciature (Embassy of the Holy See – Vatican Embassy) in Indonesia and to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In my capacity of Apostolic Nuncio (Ambassador of the Holy See – Vatican Ambassador) in Jakarta and to the ASEAN, I am also honored to extend to all of you the personal and cordial greetings of His Holiness Pope Francis, as well as His Apostolic Blessing.

The diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Indonesia, were established at the beginning of the year 1950. In fact, on January 4 of that very year, the Holy See made known its recognition of the Republic of United States of Indonesia and, 6 days later, on January 10, the two Parties agreed to establish diplomatic ties and to erect their respective Embassies in Jakarta and in Rome.

On March 16, 1950, H.E. Mgr. George de Jonghe d’Ardoye was appointed as the first Papal Representative to Indonesia and presented Credential Letters to President Sukarno on the following April 6. In a similar way, Ambassador Sukardjo Wirjopranoto, on May 25, 1950, presented Credential Letters to Pope Pius XII, accrediting him as Extraordinary Envoy to the Holy See. Thus, diplomatic relations between the Holy See and Indonesia had officially began, and have been constantly strengthened and fostered until today.

The relations so happily existing between Indonesia and the Holy See, are also the result of a very long and fruitful presence of the Catholic Church in the Country. Generally, we can consider its beginning in the 16th Century, when Catholic missionaries arrived in the Moluccas Islands. The Congregation of Jesuit Fathers Among the first evangelizers had a special place, with the figure of St. Francis Xavier, who preached in Ambon, Ternate and Halmahera in the years 1546 and 1647. The Dominican and Franciscan Friars were also very active in Flores and Timor, as well as in Borneo and Java.

The aim to serve the Catholic Church in the Country is the main reason for the establishment of the Apostolic Nunciature, to further increase communication between the Holy See, as the center of the Universal Church, and the dioceses, or Local Churches, in Indonesia.

The growth and spreading of the Catholic Church in the Nation, with an attitude for dialogue with cultures and religions present here, encouraged also the Holy See to establish diplomatic ties with the Republic of Indonesia, in order to collaborate in serving and fostering moral values, peace, as well as religious dialogue and freedom.

The same reasons are the basis of the diplomatic relations between the Holy See and ASEAN, established on March 23, 2011, as well as their mutual collaboration to promote activities in the areas of interfaith dialogue in Southeastern Asian Region, to strengthen religious understanding and tolerance.

Assuring that this Diplomatic Representation is fully devoted in this very important task for the common good, I extend to all of you my best wishes and cordial regards.

Archbishop Piero Pioppo

Apostolic Nuncio

Current Events & Updates