Indonesian Leader U-Turns on China Visit Despite Deadly Protests

ndonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto speaks about a recent wave of nationwide protests during a press conference alongside political party leaders at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on August 31, 2025. (Photo by YASUYOSHI CHIBA / AFP)

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will visit China for a military parade commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II on Wednesday, after earlier cancelling his trip over deadly domestic protests stoked by the death of a young delivery driver.

Southeast Asia’s biggest economy was rocked by the widespread protests, which left at least six dead and were initially sparked by the handing out of lavish perks to lawmakers.

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by Agence France-Presse

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