Indonesia’s President Cancels China Visit Amid Widespread Domestic Unrest

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has canceled his upcoming trip to China. The sudden cancellation comes as violent protests over lawmakers’ pay escalate across the nation. The unrest has resulted in multiple deaths and significant property damage.

President Subianto was scheduled to attend the SCO Summit in 2025. His decision to stay underscores the severity of the domestic crisis. The government is now prioritizing internal stability over diplomatic engagements.

Protests Spark Economic and Social Disruption

The protests began over public outrage regarding a recent parliamentary pay hike. Demonstrators are also angry over broader issues like jobs and wages. The situation intensified dramatically after a tragic incident in Jakarta.

A police armored vehicle struck and killed a motorcycle taxi driver on Friday. This event fueled public anger and sparked wider violence. According to Bloomberg, the turmoil has negatively impacted Indonesian stocks and the rupiah currency.

Social media platform TikTok suspended its live-broadcast function voluntarily. The company cited the escalating violence as the reason. This move aims to prevent the platform from being used to coordinate further unrest.

Government Response and International Reaction

Indonesian authorities are urging for calm and order. National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo stated the president ordered firm measures against “anarchic acts.” He affirmed the right to protest but condemned the resulting violence and destruction.

The protests have not been contained to the capital. Significant demonstrations were reported in major cities like Bandung and Yogyakarta. Public transportation services in Jakarta were also disrupted due to the safety concerns.

The international community is taking note. Embassies of the United States, Japan, Australia, and Singapore issued safety warnings. They advised their citizens in Indonesia to avoid crowds and all protest areas.

The cancellation of the China trip signals a critical moment for Indonesia’s new administration, forcing it to confront deep-seated public discontent directly.

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Why did the Indonesian president cancel his China visit?

President Prabowo canceled his trip to attend the SCO Summit due to escalating violent protests at home. The domestic situation requires his full attention and presence to manage the crisis.

What started the protests in Indonesia?

The protests were initially sparked by a controversial pay raise for lawmakers. Public anger grew over economic pressures like stagnant wages and a lack of jobs, fueling the demonstrations.

How has the violence impacted daily life?

The unrest has disrupted public transportation in Jakarta. It has also caused significant damage to buildings and public facilities, creating widespread disruption and safety concerns.

What is the government’s official response?

The government acknowledges the right to protest but is taking a firm stance against violence. Police and military officials have been ordered to prevent further anarchic acts and destruction.

How has the economy been affected?

According to Bloomberg, Indonesia’s equity benchmark fell significantly. It was one of the world’s worst-performing indexes as investor confidence wavered amid the instability.

Was there any international reaction?

Yes, several foreign embassies issued safety advisories. They warned their citizens in Indonesia to avoid all protest areas and large crowds for their own safety.