Jakarta (AsiaNews) Catholics in Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, are confident that the new Pope will follow the path laid down by John Paul II who focused on dialogue, peace and the defence of life.
According to Fr. Benny Susetyo, Executive Secretary General of the Indonesian Bishops of Conference, this pontificate sends "a positive signal to Indonesia where Christians are a minority", adding that "as a man of charisma, he brings hope to Christians" and as John Paul II's successor, he knows very well the importance of inter-faith dialogue.
"He will surely continue the efforts in improving relations between Christians and Muslims in Indonesia," he said.
The new Pontiff's resolve in matters of birth control, abortion, contraception gives hope to Mgr Hieronimus Bumbun, Archbishop of Pontianak.
"I hope the Pope will strongly uphold the 'orthodoxy' of Catholic (moral) teachings whilst continuing the dialogue with other religions as the late Pope John Paul II did," he said.
For the Archbishop, 'orthodoxy' does not mean close-mindedness but "preserving the true essence of Christianity as taught by Jesus".
"I am certain that the Pope will oppose birth control and contraception in any form and will condemn abortion," he stressed.
Indonesia's government sent a message congratulating the Pontiff for his election.
In an official statement, the Foreign Ministry said that Indonesia warmly welcomed Benedict XVI who "will encourage the community on the path of the best moral values".
As a Muslim country, Indonesia "will never stop working in favour of dialogue and tolerance between Muslims and Christians".