Indonesian President Cancels China Visit

(MENAFN) Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called off his upcoming visit to China due to widespread civil unrest erupting across various cities in Indonesia, as reported by a news agency.

Presidential spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi revealed on Saturday that Prabowo decided to stay in the country to oversee and manage the escalating demonstrations, the news agency stated.

Originally, President Prabowo had accepted an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in the Victory Day Parade, which is set to be held in Beijing on September 3, 2025.

The event commemorates the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II.

"Mr. President wants to observe conditions directly, to lead and seek the best resolution to the unrest. Hence, President Prabowo Subianto humbly apologized to the Chinese government for not being able to fulfill their invitation," Prasetyo explained.

The protests turned deadly on Saturday, with at least three fatalities reported.

The violence erupted after enraged demonstrators reacted to the death of a motorcycle taxi driver, who was reportedly struck by a police vehicle.

Government facilities in the capital, Jakarta, were targeted, with multiple buildings set ablaze.

Protesters also assaulted law enforcement posts and ignited the city’s police command center.

They damaged numerous vehicles, smashed windows, destroyed security booths, and injured officers by hurling stones and using Molotov cocktails.

"A total of eight people were evacuated by the rescue team after the burning of the Makassar City DPRD Office, three of whom were declared dead, suspected of being trapped inside the room when the fire broke out," stated M. Fadli, acting chief of the Regional Disaster Management Agency.

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