By Mathias Hariyadi
INDONESIA and the Holy See marked 75 years of diplomatic relations on Mar 13, commemorating a historic partnership that began with the Vatican’s recognition of Indonesia’s independence in 1947.
The Holy See was one of the first international entities to acknowledge Indonesia’s sovereignty during its early struggle for independence.
On Jul 6, 1947, the Vatican established the Apostolic Nunciature in Jakarta, setting a precedent for other nations in Europe and the Americas to follow suit.
Diplomatic ties were formally instituted on Mar 13, 1950, under the status of the Apostolic Internunciature, which was later elevated to an Apostolic Nunciature on Dec. 6, 1966.
The Vatican’s recognition of Indonesian sovereignty under Pope Pius XII was significantly influenced by Bishop Albertus Soegijapranata SJ, the first native Indonesian bishop, whose diplomatic efforts helped garner international support.
On Jul 6, 1947, Pope Pius XII appointed Bishop Georges-Marie Joseph Hubert Ghislain de Jonghe d’Ardoye as the Apostolic Delegate to Indonesia. He later served as the first Vatican Ambassador to the country.
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