JAKARTA, Sept 3 — As Jakarta begins to settle after days of intense protests and heartbreak, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has made his way to China to attend a historic military parade commemorating the end of World War II.
The visit, once postponed due to civil unrest and the tragic death of a young delivery driver, signals a delicate balancing act for the leader of Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Earlier, the nation was rocked by widespread protests—fueled by public outrage over lavish perks granted to lawmakers. The anger turned deadly, claiming at least six lives and forcing the government to backtrack on the incentives in an effort to calm tensions.
President Prabowo, according to State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi, left Jakarta on Tuesday evening after spending the day closely monitoring the situation. “He received continuous updates from all relevant officials and saw signs that public life was gradually returning to normal,” Prasetyo said.
The president’s decision to resume his international visit reflects cautious optimism at home and a commitment to Indonesia’s diplomatic ties abroad. During his brief trip, he is expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, strengthening the strategic relationship between the two nations.
Although tensions at home remain raw, the streets of Jakarta have seen fewer demonstrations in recent days, especially after the military’s presence on Monday helped restore a sense of order.
Prabowo will be joining more than 25 global leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square for the grand parade. The spectacle will showcase China’s military might, featuring precision marches, aerial flypasts, and advanced weaponry.
While Indonesia has long maintained a neutral foreign policy—carefully balancing relationships with both the U.S. and China—Prabowo’s recent rhetoric suggests a warming of defence ties with Beijing.
The visit is not just about history or military alliances; it’s a reminder of the fragile dance between domestic responsibility and global diplomacy. As Indonesia begins to heal, all eyes remain on its leader’s next steps—at home and on the world stage.
