Indonesian Artist Gifts Pope Francis Javanese Interpretation of Stations of the Cross

Indonesian artist Butet Kartaredjasa presented Pope Francis with a unique painting that reimagines the Stations of the Cross through the lens of Javanese culture. The artwork, gifted at the Vatican on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, features the Punakawan characters, Semar, Gareng, Petruk, and Bagong, from traditional Javanese wayang (puppetry).

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This painting illustrates the struggle of humanity.

The series of 14 paintings, created by Kartaredjasa in 2024, was inspired by his spiritual reflection after recovering from severe nerve entrapment paralysis in 2021. The specific painting presented to the Pope depicts Jesus falling under the cross, with Semar embodying Jesus, while Gareng, Petruk, and Bagong surround him. Kartaredjasa explained that the painting "illustrates the struggle of humanity."

In Javanese tradition, the Punakawan symbolize humility and wisdom, embodying the philosophy of "Ojo dumeh", meaning "don't be arrogant" or "don't abuse power." Kartaredjasa sees this as a parallel to the Christian meaning of the Stations of the Cross, which represents Jesus's suffering and sacrifice for humanity's redemption. The artist and his wife, Rulyani Isfihana, who is Muslim, met with the Pope for five minutes, viewing the encounter as a significant moment for interfaith dialogue.

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Don't be arrogant, don't abuse power.

Kartaredjasa described his eight-day journey, funded personally and named "Butet Sowan Paus" (Butet Visits the Pope), as akin to a pilgrimage. He had sent the 14 paintings to the Indonesian Embassy in the Vatican earlier. The meeting was facilitated by Indonesian Ambassador to the Vatican Michael Trias Kuncahyono, who helped Kartaredjasa lobby the Pope's secretary. Kartaredjasa expressed that the effort was "worth the struggle."

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The struggle was worth it.