September 2, 2025 | 11:00 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Prabowo Subianto is reportedly set to leave for China on Tuesday night, September 2, 2025, despite ongoing nationwide demonstrations.
He is scheduled to attend a Chinese military parade on Wednesday, September 3, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
Several sources from Tempo who are accompanying the President confirmed that Prabowo will depart from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base in East Jakarta. “Yes, leaving tonight,” one source said on Tuesday.
Tempo sought confirmation from State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya, Presidential Chief of Staff Anto Mukti Putranto, and Presidential Communication Chief Hasan Nasbi, but none have responded.
This development contrasts with an earlier statement from Prasetyo Hadi, who said Prabowo had decided to postpone the trip out of respect for Indonesia’s domestic turmoil.
“Prabowo Subianto, with humility and apologies to the Chinese government, has decided not to attend the invitation,” Prasetyo said in Hambalang, Bogor Regency, on Saturday, August 30.
Prabowo’s visit also appears inconsistent with his remarks during a press conference at the Merdeka Palace on Sunday, August 31.
At the time, he pledged to withdraw the recently approved allowance increases for lawmakers and to impose a moratorium on official overseas visits, a direct response to the mass demonstrations.
The protests, which erupted on August 25, were triggered by public anger over lawmakers’ pay hikes, new tax policies, and government decisions widely seen as neglecting people’s interests.
Tensions escalated sharply after Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver, was killed by a police tactical vehicle near the House of Representatives (DPR) building in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, on August 28. His death intensified outrage and fueled nationwide protests denouncing police brutality.
Violence has since spread to various regions, with demonstrators torching police stations in Jakarta and Regional House of Reprsentatives (DPRD) buildings.
According to the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), at least ten people have died, including four in Makassar: three in a fire at the DPRD office and one beaten by a mob on Urip Sumoharjo Street.
Meanwhile, Beijing has confirmed that 26 world leaders were invited to the September 3 military parade, including North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
South Korea will be represented by Woo Won-shik, a National Assembly spokesperson, while Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico is expected to be the only Western leader present.
The parade will showcase China’s newest military technology before thousands of spectators. It coincides with the anniversary of Japan’s surrender on September 3, 1945, which officially ended World War II.
Dewi Rina Cahyani and Ervana Trikarinaputri contributed to the writing of this article.
Editor’s Choice: Promotions for Injured Police Officers Criticized Amid Public Deaths
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Military Emergencies Explained: Indonesia's Debate and Global Lessons
37 menit lalu
A wave of demonstrations leading to riots in various cities in Indonesia has sparked concerns of a military emergency.
Promotions for Injured Police Officers Criticized Amid Public Deaths
1 jam lalu
President Prabowo instructed Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo to promote the injured police officers as a form of appreciation.
Russia, China Ink Major Deal for New Gas Pipeline
2 jam lalu
Gazprom has agreed to increase gas supplies to China through existing pipelines and to build the large Power of Siberia 2 pipeline at a lower price than that charged to European buyers.
Indonesian Lawmaker Vows "Caution" in Asset Forfeiture Bill Drafting
3 jam lalu
Sturman emphasizes that the parliament is working as hard as possible to discuss the Asset Forfeiture Bill.
Prabowo Orders Immediate Repairs of Public Facilities Damaged in Protests
3 jam lalu
Prabowo said that restoring these facilities is essential to ensure people can resume daily activities without disruption.
LBH Jakarta Slams Prabowo's Remark on Permits for Protests
4 jam lalu
LBH Jakarta evaluates that expressing opinions is the constitutional right of citizens. Therefore, they do not require permission as stated by Prabowo.
Whoosh: The High-Speed Rail's Journey from Opposition to Debt Crisis
5 jam lalu
Facing huge debt and financial difficulties, Whoosh project has come a long way since its early days of opposition from ex-minister Ignasius Jonan.
CSIS Says Indonesian Govt Reluctant to Admit Economy Is Weakening
5 jam lalu
CSIS assesses that this series of protests was triggered by increasing economic burdens and an incomplete formal political process.
Bank Indonesia Resumes Burden Sharing Scheme, Buys Rp200tn in Bonds
6 jam lalu
Perry Warjiyo, the Governor of Bank Indonesia, emphasized that the central bank's role extends beyond interest rate control.
Israeli Tanks Ravage Gaza, Forcing Thousands to Flee
6 jam lalu
Israel deploys tanks in Gaza and detonates an armored vehicle in the Sheikh Radwan area. Airstrikes also kill dozens of civilians.
