Indonesian President cancels China visit amid widespread protests and political unrest
A significant political move by the Indonesian leader was suddenly altered due to escalating domestic unrest.
President Prabowo Subianto officially announced the cancellation of his planned trip to China, scheduled for September 3rd, to attend a major military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
The decision was prompted by widespread protests that erupted in Jakarta and quickly spread to other regions.
The protests initially started over dissatisfaction with lawmakers’ salaries and intensified after a police vehicle ran over a motorcyclist, fueling public outrage.
Authorities stated that the president wants to personally oversee the situation and seek optimal solutions for national stability, apologizing to the Chinese government for not being able to accept the invitation.
A key reason for canceling the visit was also the upcoming United Nations General Assembly session in September.
In response to the protests, the Indonesian government temporarily suspended TikTok’s live streaming feature in the country, focusing on combating online misinformation.
The authorities summoned representatives from social media platforms, including Meta and TikTok, demanding stricter content moderation.
Clashes and fires occurred in several regions, with protestors setting fire to regional parliament buildings.
Three people were killed during the arson attack on the parliament in Makassar, South Sulawesi, and tear gas was used against demonstrators on Bali.
Reports indicate that crowds ransacked the homes of legislators, notably the deputy Ahmed Sahroni, provoking further outrage.
Politicians reacted with sarcasm and frustration, labeling critics as “the dumbest people in the world.” Meanwhile, in China, preparations are underway for one of the largest military parades in recent years, showcasing advanced weaponry including fighter jets, missile defense systems, and hypersonic weapons.
Over twenty world leaders, including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are expected to attend, demonstrating China’s growing military strength under President Xi Jinping’s modernization drive of the People’s Liberation Army.