JAKARTA, September 3 – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has departed for Beijing, China, to attend a major military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II — just days after deadly protests erupted at home, triggered by the death of a young delivery driver and the controversial perks granted to lawmakers.
The nation is still grappling with the aftermath of these protests, which left at least six people dead and drew widespread anger across the country. The emotional outcry was initially sparked by outrage over lavish incentives handed to lawmakers, but quickly turned into a broader expression of public frustration. For many, the tragedy of a young man losing his life while simply doing his job became a symbol of the growing disconnect between power and people.
In response to the public fury, President Prabowo cancelled his original travel plans and moved swiftly to revoke several parliamentary perks. He remained in Jakarta to monitor the situation and work closely with government and security officials.
Now, after signs of calm have slowly begun to return to the streets, the president has resumed his international obligations. State Secretariat Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that Prabowo left for Beijing on Tuesday evening and is expected to return on Wednesday.
“He monitored the situation closely and received updates from all relevant sectors, and only then made the decision to leave the country,” said Prasetyo, noting that public life is gradually returning to normal.
During the visit, Prabowo is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a move signaling Indonesia’s ongoing interest in strengthening its strategic and defense ties with Beijing — even as it carefully balances relations with Washington and other global powers under its neutral foreign policy stance.
The parade in Tiananmen Square will be attended by more than 25 world leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. China is expected to showcase its military strength through a grand display of marching troops, aerial flyovers, and cutting-edge defense technology.
While millions in China remember the sacrifices made during their prolonged struggle against imperial Japan in the 1930s and 40s, Indonesians are reflecting on a more recent pain — a stark reminder that the concerns of ordinary citizens must never be overlooked in the corridors of power.
As Prabowo steps onto the world stage, the echoes of Jakarta’s unrest remain fresh, reminding the nation and its leaders of the delicate balance between governance, responsibility, and empathy.
