Indonesia: Pope Francis to visit Jakarta Sept. 3-6

Extremely tight security is certain across Jakarta for a visit by His Holiness Pope Francis Sept. 3-6. Heightened security measures and traffic restrictions will affect event venues, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), and hotels and routes used by the delegation. Officials will deploy over 4,500 police forces to guard events, mainly in central Jakarta.

The pontiff is scheduled to arrive at CGK at 11:30 Sept. 3. His Holiness will meet with President Jokowi and other officials at the Presidential Palace 09:30-11:30 Sept. 4, before a private meeting with church members at the Apostolic Nunciature. He will later address religious personnel in the Jakarta Cathedral in Sawah Besar District from 16:30 and meet students at the Grha Pemuda youth center. On Sept. 5, Pope Francis will address an interreligious gathering at the Istiqlal Mosque at 09:00 and meet charity beneficiaries at the Indonesian Bishops' Conference Headquarters. He will hold mass at the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) and GBK Madya stadiums from 17:00; organizers anticipate that over 90,000 Catholics from Indonesia and neighboring countries will participate in the religious service. Officials will also host a farewell ceremony at CGK from 09:15 Sept. 6 before Pope Francis departs the country. 

Traffic restrictions, including diversions and road closures, are certain near event venues, especially ahead of the holy mass Sept. 5. Authorities have advised organizations to utilize telecommuting for employees Sept. 5 to minimize congestion during the holy mass, which is occurring near to the Indonesia International Sustainability Forum conference at the Jakarta Convention Center. Worst affected routes include Jalan Asia-Afrika, Jalan Gatot Subroto, and Jalan Jendral Sudirman. Crowds could line streets near event venues to see the pope, though significant disruptions are unlikely at most stops. Increased congestion on public transport is likely as attendees reach and leave event venues; modifications to public transport schedules are possible. High demand for hotels and other accommodations in central Jakarta is probable. Closures of educational institutions and businesses along key routes leading to main meeting sites may occur.

An elevated risk of opportunistic crime, such as snatch theft and pickpocketing, is likely at crowded gatherings, including on public transport services connecting main event sites. Although authorities have not publicized any specific threat to the event, a moderate terror threat exists nationwide, especially by affiliates of Islamic State (IS). Religious minorities have been targets of previous attacks, including a March 2021 suicide bombing by the IS-linked Jamaah Ansharut Daulah during a religious service at a cathedral in Makassar.Enhanced security measures, including vehicular and pedestrian checks, are probable at sensitive sites like major roadways, government buildings, security installations, and crowded public places across Jakarta through Sept. 6.