Indonesian leaders pray with the pope against the coronavirus

Indonesian authorities and religious leaders responded favourably to Pope Francis’ invitation to pray on Thursday (May 14) to ask God for help against the pandemic

May 17, 2020

By Mathias Hariyadi
Indonesian authorities and religious leaders responded favourably to Pope Francis’ invitation to pray on Thursday (May 14) to ask God for help against the pandemic

The High Committee for Human Brotherhood launched the initiative aimed at every person, in every part of the world, regardless of their religion, faith or doctrine.

For Moch. Qasim Mathar, from Aliudin Islamic State University in Makassar (southern Sulawesi), Indonesians can be expected torespond positively to the Pope's appeal. “Our country has the most Muslims in the world, and their active participation in prayers would benefit the pontiff’s call.”

Amany Lubis, dean of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Jakarta, agrees. “The initiative is a great tool to promote brotherhood among all human beings in this time of difficulty.”

Archbishop Card Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of Jakarta wrote a special prayer to help people overcome the crisis.

In it, he calls on the merciful God to protect humanity from the disease, to allow the infected to heal, and to welcome the dead in his glory, whilst giving comfort to their relatives.

The cardinal also asks the Lord to guide the country's leaders, doctors, nurses and scientists in their efforts against the disease.

The prayer ends with a request for help to promote social tolerance and compassion for others, especially those suffering from the pandemic.

More than 14,000 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Indonesia, with about 2,400 people hospitalised, and almost a thousand eaths.

Religious groups are making a major contribution to the fight against the coronavirus, their representatives say.

Even the government held a moment of prayer on May 14, broadcast on state TV and some private broadcasters

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo opened the event, called the National prayer for social solidarity, which was led by various religious leaders, namely Kiai Hajj Quraish Shihab for Muslims, Card Suharyo for  Catholics, Rev Ronny Mandang for Protestants, Ida Pedanda Nabe Gede Bang Buruan Manuaba for Hindus, Sri Panyavaro Mahat era for Buddhists, and Budi S Tanuwibowo for Confucians.--Asia News