In a bold move amid domestic turmoil, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is set to visit China for a grand military parade on September 3, celebrating 80 years since the conclusion of World War II. This comes after his initial cancellation of the trip due to violent protests triggered by the tragic death of a young delivery driver.

The recent unrest shook Southeast Asia's largest nation, resulting in at least six fatalities. These protests initially stemmed from public outrage over lavish perks granted to lawmakers, prompting Prabowo to retract many of these benefits.

State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that Prabowo departed for China on the evening of September 2 and is expected back the following day. "The situation is stabilizing, and reports indicate that daily life is returning to normal," Hadi stated.

A Parade of Power and Diplomacy

During his visit, President Prabowo is anticipated to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, amidst a gathering of over 25 world leaders, including notable figures like North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Russia's Vladimir Putin. This high-profile event at Beijing's iconic Tiananmen Square will display China's military might, featuring troop formations, aerial displays, and advanced weaponry.

The backdrop of this parade is steeped in history, as millions of Chinese lives were lost during the vicious warfare against imperial Japan throughout the 1930s and 40s, a conflict that expanded globally following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.

Striking a Balance Between Giants

Indonesia maintains a policy of neutrality, skillfully balancing its relationships with both the United States and China. Despite the protests, Prabowo has reaffirmed his commitment to enhancing ties and defense cooperation with China, a strategic partnership that is increasingly in focus in the volatile geopolitical landscape.