Tue Sep 02 19:48:40 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia initially canceled his trip to Beijing to attend the Victory Day parade due to widespread protests across Indonesia sparked by rising inequality and the death of a motorcycle taxi driver during a demonstration. These protests, which saw attacks on government buildings and officials’ homes, were met with a promise of investigation into the driver’s death and the revocation of some financial perks for lawmakers. However, Subianto also condemned some protest actions as “treason” and “terrorism,” leading to the deployment of the military and a warning against “rioters and looters.” Despite this, Subianto ultimately decided to attend the parade and will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Rights groups criticize his response to the protests as inadequate.
**News Article:**
**Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Attends Beijing Parade Amid Domestic Unrest**
**JAKARTA, INDONESIA** – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has arrived in Beijing to participate in the Victory Day parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II. This decision comes after the President initially canceled his trip due to widespread protests across Indonesia triggered by rising inequality and recent violence.
The protests, which erupted last week in Jakarta and spread to cities nationwide, were fueled by anger over cost-of-living issues and the death of a motorcycle taxi driver allegedly struck by a police vehicle during a demonstration. Demonstrators targeted government buildings, including police headquarters and the homes of lawmakers and the finance minister.
In response, President Subianto promised an investigation into the driver’s death and announced the revocation of some financial perks for lawmakers. However, he also condemned elements within the protests as engaging in “treason” and “terrorism,” leading to the deployment of the military to quell the unrest. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin warned against “rioters and looters.”
Despite the ongoing tensions at home, President Subianto decided to attend the parade, joining over 25 international leaders, including North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin. He is also scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for bilateral talks.
Human rights groups have criticized President Subianto’s response to the protests, arguing that his actions do not adequately address the underlying grievances of the Indonesian people. Amnesty International Indonesia director Usman Hamid stated that the President’s response was “insensitive” and called for “comprehensive policy changes.”
The situation in Indonesia remains tense as the government attempts to balance addressing the protesters’ concerns with maintaining order and security.
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