Pope Francis arrives in Indonesia at start of four-nation Asia-Pacific tour

JAKARTA - Pope Francis arrived in Muslim-majority Indonesia on Sept 3 to kick off a four-nation tour of the Asia-Pacific that will be the longest and farthest of the 87-yearold's papacy.

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The head of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics touched down in Jakarta for a three-day visit devoted to inter-religious ties. He will then travel to Papua New Guinea, TimorLeste and Singapore.

The 12-day tour will test the pontiff's increasingly fragile health, but he is often energised by being among his flock. He emerged from the 13-hour flight smiling and waving.

"I thank you for coming on this journey, thank you for the company. I think it is the longest (flight) I have done," he told reporters aboard his chartered plane after landing, according to an AFP journalist.

He disembarked in Jakarta in a wheelchair to an honour guard, greetings by Indonesian officials, including Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and a traditional bouquet from two children.

The pontiff was then picked up from the red carpet in a civilian Toyota car, choosing a modest vehicle over one of luxury typically used by world leaders. He smiled and waved as he left for the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Jakarta.

The Pope was due to have a relaxing day in Jakarta on Sept 3 following the long flight from Rome, then meet President Joko Widodo the following day in the first major set piece of his visit to the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.