BEIJING / JAKARTA, 1 September 2025 – As protests continue to sweep across Indonesia, China has urged Jakarta to take effective measures to protect Chinese nationals residing there, signaling Beijing’s mounting concern over their safety. Concurrently, China expressed understanding and respect for President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to cancel his planned trip to attend Beijing’s Victory Day parade on 3 September.
Spokesperson Guo Jiakun delivered the message during a regular press briefing, underscoring that while President Prabowo will not attend the parade in person, Indonesia will still be represented by another official at both the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and the accompanying military ceremony.
Context & Strategic Commentary
From China’s vantage point, the diplomatic gesture serves dual purposes: assuring public safety for its nationals amid rising instability, and preserving the semblance of continued engagement with Indonesian leadership. President Prabowo’s cancellation reflects the volatile environment at home, where protests have intensified across cities like Jakarta and Makassar, raising concerns over public order and political optics.
The incident spotlights how domestic turbulence can ripple into regional diplomacy. For Southeast Asia, where interdependence is high and stability is prized, the episode underscores the delicate balance between internal politics and international relations.
