JAKARTA, Sept 3 — After days of national mourning and public unrest, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto departed for China on Tuesday evening to attend a high-profile military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
His trip had been previously postponed in light of heartbreaking protests that erupted across the country, following the death of a young delivery driver during civil demonstrations. The protests, fueled by public outrage over extravagant benefits granted to lawmakers, left at least six people dead and cast a shadow over the capital.
The Indonesian government was forced to act. President Prabowo made the decision to roll back some of the controversial incentives and remained in the country to personally monitor the situation.
State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that after closely observing the nation’s condition, and receiving updates from key security and civil authorities, the president felt the time was right to carry out his international duties. “Today he monitored the situation and received reports from all relevant officials that public life was gradually returning to normal,” said Prasetyo.
While in Beijing, Prabowo is expected to hold diplomatic talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. His presence at the grand parade—where over 25 world leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un are also attending—symbolizes not only Indonesia’s global standing but also Prabowo’s balancing act in maintaining peace at home while strengthening international ties.
Beijing’s Tiananmen Square will serve as the dramatic backdrop for the military parade, a display of China’s strength and historical remembrance. The event reflects on the painful legacy of the Second World War, especially the atrocities faced by the Chinese people under Imperial Japan’s occupation.
Despite its neutral foreign policy, Indonesia continues to walk a fine diplomatic line between global powers. Prabowo has recently expressed intentions to deepen defense and economic ties with Beijing, while maintaining strong relationships with Washington.
The president is expected to return to Indonesia shortly after the ceremony, keeping his commitment to both national recovery and global diplomacy.
