Jakarta - To welcome Pope Francis' historic visit to Indonesia on 3-6 September 2024, the Second Chance Foundation, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Corrections, Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, and the Inmates, has prepared memorable souvenirs in the form of stoles, paintings, and miniatures. They also hand-rolled newspapers from the Istiqlal Mosque and the Cathedral Church. Apart from that, they also participated in the "Hearts of Polyhedra " initiative of Scholas Occurrentes.

 

The stola souvenirs produced by the inmates are made from woven cloth, written batik, and tapis, which depict the richness of Indonesian culture. This stole was created in collaboration with various Correctional Technical Implementation Units (UPT) throughout Indonesia, involving Correctional Institutions (Lapas) in various regions.

 

The stole-making process involved two inmates of the Kupang Women's Correctional Facility who made the primary material from woven cloth, while 12 female inmates from the Semarang Women's Correctional Facility and the Class IIB Yogyakarta Women's Correctional Facility produced hand-written batik cloth. Filter cloth, hand-sewn by eight female inmates from the Class IIA Lampung Women's Correctional Facility, also completes this stole. Additional symbols were sewn by eight male inmates at the Class IIA Tangerang Youth Correctional Facility, thus creating a unique work that reflects the motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" – although different, it is still one.

 

This stole is designed with Liturgical colors according to the guidelines of the Catholic Church: purple, green, red, and white. Hopefully, this stole can become part of the liturgy that Pope Francis will lead during his visit. This souvenir is an offering from WBP and a symbol of unity in Indonesia's diversity, which originates from Sabang to Merauke.

 

In addition, the Second Chance Foundation collaborates with Scholas Occurrentes, an international organization founded by Pope Francis, through the project "Indonesian Polyhedra Hearts - Unity in Diversity." Scholas collaborated with the Second Chance Foundation in holding three workshops on 27-28 August 2024 at the Class I Special Child Development Institute (LPKA) Tangerang, Class IIA Tangerang Prison, and Class IIA Jakarta Special Narcotics Prison. A total of 150 inmates and children were involved in this activity, which involved communication games and teamwork. They were also invited to express their memories in writing and art, which were then assembled into triangular panels. These panels will later become part of the Polyhedra structure placed at Graha Pemuda, Floor 4, Jakarta Cathedral Church complex.

 

Pope Francis is scheduled to enter the Polyhedra and pray for Indonesia's unity in its diversity. Two inmates who actively participate in independent and personality activities also had the opportunity to meet the Holy Father representing other inmates at the Scholas Occurrentes meeting with young people at the Grha Pemuda Building on 4 September 2024. They came to represent male and female inmates. The existence of one of these representatives also shows his fighting spirit to be better, even though he also has a visual disability.

 

Second Chance Foundation, together with the Class IIB Singaraja Correctional Facility and the Class IIA Bangli Special Narcotics Correctional Facility in Bali Province, also displayed miniatures of the Cathedral Church and Istiqlal Mosque made from rolled-up old newspapers starting with sketches and paintings as references for creating the miniatures. This creative work results from the work of 12 inmates from the two correctional institutions. Additionally, sketches and paintings of the Istiqlal Mosque and Cathedral Church made by inmates from the Jakarta Class IIA Special Narcotics Correctional Facility and the Malang Class I Correctional Facility are also part of this offering, conveying the message of tolerance maintained in Indonesia.

 

It is hoped that Pope Francis' visit will provide new inspiration and hope not only for Catholics in Indonesia but also for all Indonesians.