German President visits Jakarta, highlights religious tolerance

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Jakarta on Monday for a state visit, marking his first trip to Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto's administration. His itinerary includes a meeting with Subianto at the Presidential Palace and visits to prominent religious sites.

A key part of Steinmeier's visit involves touring the Istiqlal Mosque, Southeast Asia's largest, and the Jakarta Cathedral, which are located opposite each other. He will also walk through the "Silaturahmi Tunnel" connecting the two places of worship, a gesture intended to underscore Indonesia's commitment to religious tolerance. The German President's office stated this meeting "shows the importance of religious tolerance in Indonesia."

Beyond religious dialogue, Steinmeier and Subianto will focus on strengthening bilateral ties. Discussions are set to cover expanding cooperation in business, energy, climate action, skilled labor recruitment, and cultural exchange. Both leaders are expected to emphasize shared commitments to democracy, the rule of law, and multilateral engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.

Following his engagements in Indonesia, Steinmeier will travel to the Philippines for a state visit. The visit also involves traffic management and temporary road closures in parts of Jakarta to accommodate the presidential convoy.

“

During his visit to the Istiqlal Mosque, the Federal President will be given a tour of the place of worship before walking through the Friendship Tunnel to the Catholic Cathedral of Saint Mary the Assumption opposite the mosque. This meeting will show the importance of religious tolerance in Indonesia.