Indonesia, Vatican envoy strengthen human rights cooperation

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Human Rights and the Apostolic Nunciature have pledged to strengthen cooperation on human rights, human dignity and poverty alleviation through humanitarian programs and interfaith dialogue.

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai presented President Prabowo Subianto’s book, National Transformation Strategy Toward Golden Indonesia 2045, to Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Walter Erbì during a bilateral meeting in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Pigai said the book’s central ideas aligned with Gaudium et Spes, a major Catholic social teaching document emphasizing human dignity, solidarity and the fight against poverty, according to a statement issued Wednesday.

“The national transformation book, along with all of President Prabowo’s priority programs, represents a concrete manifestation of this humanitarian mandate,” he said.

He said the government’s commitment to public welfare was reflected in several people-centered initiatives, including the Sekolah Rakyat free education program, free nutritious meals, free health checks, public housing and Red and White Village Cooperatives.

The programs aim to improve public welfare while protecting human dignity, particularly among poor and marginalized communities.

Pigai said he was impressed that the Vatican had recognized Prabowo’s vision as consistent with the principles expressed in Gaudium et Spes.

He stressed the need for government intervention to address poverty and lack of education, citing Catholic Church leaders’ criticism of economic injustice and policies that neglect vulnerable groups.

He said the state and religious institutions should prioritize the common good (bonum commune), support for the poor and human solidarity.

Meanwhile, Archbishop Erbì welcomed Prabowo’s humanitarian vision and commended the government’s priority programs as concrete efforts to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged communities.

The meeting was part of ongoing efforts by the ministry and the Apostolic Nunciature to promote interfaith dialogue, strengthen human rights protection and advance humanitarian solidarity nationally and internationally.