Indonesia president Prabowo flies to China for military parade

Indonesia president Prabowo flies to China for military parade

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has abruptly cancelled a scheduled state visit to China after days of intensifying protests spread across the country, marking one of the first major political challenges to his presidency, which began less than a year ago. The announcement comes as demonstrations, sparked by the death of a motorbike driver struck by a police vehicle, have escalated into a broader wave of unrest touching several provinces [1].

The decision to cancel the visit underscores the gravity of the unrest at home, which has rapidly spiralled into violence and poses a test of the new administration’s ability to manage public anger and maintain order. Prabowo was due to travel to Beijing on September 3 to attend a "Victory Parade" commemorating the end of World War II and Japan’s formal surrender. The event, hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, was expected to include numerous foreign leaders, with Russian President Vladimir Putin invited as the guest of honour [1].

The protests first erupted in Jakarta on Friday, triggered by outrage over the death of a ride-hailing motorbike driver after being hit by a police vehicle near the national parliament building. Demonstrators gathered to demand not only justice for the incident but also higher parliamentary salaries and greater government spending on education. By Saturday, the movement had spread well beyond the capital. Local media reported that protesters set fire to regional parliament buildings in West Nusa Tenggara, Pekalongan (Central Java), and Cirebon (West Java). The destruction marked a dramatic escalation in both the intensity and geographic spread of the unrest [1].

The National Disaster Management Agency further confirmed that on Friday, a blaze at the parliament building in Makasar claimed at least three lives. In Bali, a tourist hotspot, police clashed with demonstrators, deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. The use of force in such a heavily visited international destination risks drawing global attention to Indonesia’s domestic turmoil, potentially impacting tourism—a cornerstone of the country’s economy [1].

The Subianto administration has pointed to the role of social media in fuelling anti-government sentiment, particularly platforms such as TikTok and Meta-owned services like Facebook and Instagram. Officials claim that misinformation and disinformation have circulated widely online, intensifying public anger and helping to coordinate demonstrations. Viral livestreams, especially on TikTok, have broadcast the protests in real time, drawing larger crowds and amplifying the visibility of the movement. In response, Indonesian authorities have reportedly pressured social media companies to tighten content moderation and even restrict live-streaming features that protesters use to document confrontations with security forces [1].

For President Prabowo Subianto, the unrest represents the first major crisis of his leadership. Elected on a platform of stability, security, and economic growth, Prabowo has sought to portray himself as a strongman leader capable of navigating both domestic and international challenges. Yet, with his presidency still in its early stages, the eruption of protests underscores deep-seated frustrations among parts of the population. The demands for more equitable government spending on social services such as education reflect broader discontent with persistent inequality and economic struggles facing many Indonesians [1].

The situation also risks tarnishing Indonesia’s image on the global stage. By cancelling his high-profile visit to Beijing—a symbolic event showcasing ties with China—Prabowo sends a message that domestic stability currently outweighs diplomatic gestures. The cancellation may cause disappointment in Beijing, where Xi Jinping has long sought to deepen ties with Southeast Asia’s largest country. Indonesia plays a crucial role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), hosting major infrastructure projects such as the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail line. Prabowo’s absence from the parade does not necessarily signal a cooling of relations, but it does highlight how domestic instability can complicate Indonesia’s diplomatic calendar [1].

How Prabowo manages the protests in the coming days will shape public perception of his administration and determine whether this episode becomes a temporary disruption or a long-term political liability. If the government opts for a heavy-handed crackdown, it risks escalating tensions and alienating segments of the population. Conversely, a more conciliatory approach that addresses protesters’ grievances—particularly regarding economic policies and accountability for the motorbike driver’s death—could help defuse anger [1].

The call for greater regulation of social media platforms raises broader questions about digital freedoms and state control in Indonesia, a country with one of the world’s largest and most active online populations. Looking ahead, much will depend on how President Prabowo chooses to balance firmness with dialogue. Protesters’ grievances over education funding, income inequality, and government accountability will not vanish overnight, even if the demonstrations eventually quiet down. In the coming weeks, Indonesia may see either a cautious return to stability or deeper unrest if frustrations remain unaddressed [1].

For Prabowo, navigating this moment could set the tone for his entire presidency—shaping not only public trust at home but also Indonesia’s standing as a stable partner abroad. The world, especially regional allies and economic partners, will be looking forward to whether Indonesia can turn this early crisis into an opportunity for reform and unity [1].

References:
[1] https://www.tekedia.com/forum/topic/prabowo-subianto-cancels-china-visit-as-indonesia-faces-widespread-protests/