Jakarta — The political turmoil currently sweeping Indonesia has caught the attention of the international community, including China’s government. The country behind the “Bamboo Curtain” has expressed its support for President Prabowo Subianto as he works to overcome the domestic situation.
President Subianto is known to have canceled two official invitations from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
These events were the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1, 2025, and the military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War Against Japanese Aggression and the Anti-Fascist World War on September 3, 2025.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said his government believes that President Prabowo is capable of handling the situation well.
“We are paying attention to the latest developments in Indonesia and are confident that, under President Prabowo’s leadership, the Indonesian government can handle the situation and restore stability quickly,” Guo said, as quoted by ANTARA on Tuesday, September 3, 2025.
According to Guo, although Subianto was not present and was represented by Foreign Minister Sugiono, China understood the reasons for his absence.
“China understands and respects the Indonesian government’s decision regarding participation in the SCO Tianjin Summit and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, given its domestic needs,” he added.
China’s Expectations Regarding Its Citizens and Assets in Indonesia
On the other hand, Guo hopes that the Indonesian government will protect Chinese citizens and assets in Indonesia.
“China hopes that Indonesia will take effective measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese institutions and personnel,” said Guo.
Guo Jiakun said that the Chinese government welcomed Foreign Minister Sugiono to attend the summit and commemorative events as President Prabowo’s representative.
Sugiono himself had met with President Xi Jinping at the SCO “Plus” Summit in Tianjin, where he conveyed President Prabowo’s apology.
“We express our gratitude and apologize because President Prabowo cannot attend the ‘SCO Summit Plus’ this afternoon. I also conveyed this directly to President Xi Jinping,” said Sugiono.
He emphasized that he was present as President Prabowo’s representative at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.
“Earlier, we expressed our gratitude for the invitation, as well as for the welcome given by the Chinese government, in this case, by President Xi Jinping,” he concluded. (*)
Editor: Yulian Saputra
