Prabowo’s Beijing Visit Sends Symbolic Diplomatic Message
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — President Prabowo Subianto has chosen to attend the 80th Anniversary of China’s Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan, hosted by President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Wednesday, Sept 3, 2025. His presence at the military parade has drawn attention, coming at a time when Indonesia is experiencing widespread domestic protests.
International relations expert and Executive Director of the Indonesia South-South Foundation, Akbar Azmi Hardjasasmita, said the visit reflected symbolic diplomacy and an “intersubjective meaning” approach, a hallmark of Prabowo’s governing style.
“The President’s attendance at the World War II commemoration in Beijing is not merely ceremonial. It is a deliberate effort to project Indonesia as a respected and relevant global actor,” Akbar told Investortrust on Wednesday.
Balancing Global Diplomacy and Domestic Turmoil
According to Akbar, Prabowo used the international stage to reaffirm Indonesia’s ability to maintain balanced relations with global powers, while also responding to external narratives questioning Indonesia’s strategic positioning.
The visit coincided with ongoing mass demonstrations under the banner “Gerakan 17/8 Tuntutan Rakyat,” a social media–driven movement uniting public anger behind 17 demands and eight core issues. These include opposition to revisions of the Regional Election Law, calls to reduce food prices, human rights enforcement, and reforms to Indonesia’s democratic system.
“This creates a crucial paradox,” Akbar explained. “While the government is actively building narratives of stability and international influence through symbolic diplomacy, the domestic reality is one of open social tension.”
Indonesia’s Image in Global Forums
From a constructivist perspective, Akbar said Indonesia’s external image of a “stable democracy” clashed with the internal picture of a society in turmoil. He noted that Prabowo’s approach aligned with Indonesia’s recent positioning as a mediator in global conflicts, such as the G20-led outreach to Ukraine and Russia.
“Indonesia’s credibility and prominence are built on international recognition,” he said. “But this strategy carries risks, as narratives from domestic and global actors will need careful management to maintain legitimacy as a bridge between rival blocs.”
Akbar added that Indonesian foreign policy could not be explained solely by material power, as realism suggests, or by institutional frameworks, as neoliberals argue. Instead, it must be understood through the social construction of political meaning in the global arena.
Symbolism in Beijing
At the Tian’anmen celebrations, Prabowo walked the red carpet past honor guards to the leaders’ lounge before joining a photo session. He was warmly welcomed by President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan.
In the group photograph, Prabowo stood next to Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring Indonesia’s recognition as a significant player in global affairs.
From the Tian’anmen Rostrum, Prabowo was seated alongside President Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang as they observed the parade, which is held once every decade. This year’s event brought together 26 world leaders, including Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
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