Darmansjah Djumala, a foreign affairs expert at Indonesia’s Pancasila Ideology Development Agency, said the visit underscores Indonesia’s efforts to maintain balanced ties amid intensifying U.S.-China rivalry in the Indo-Pacific.
“Indonesia’s presence should not be seen as favoring China over the United States,” Djumala said in a statement from Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung Islands Province.
“This is an example of our independent and active foreign policy — engaging with all sides without becoming entangled in great power conflicts,” he said.
Djumala added that Prabowo’s attendance may open the door to deeper defense cooperation with China, expanding beyond their existing economic ties.
The parade, held in Beijing on Wednesday, marked the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II.
Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that 26 heads of state and government were invited, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and ASEAN leaders from Malaysia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
Djumala described the event as a symbolic display of China’s military strength and a message that Beijing is now a global power shaping regional security.
Chinese military official Wu Zeke said the parade would showcase new weapons and demonstrate the People’s Liberation Army’s readiness to face global and regional challenges.
Among the new-generation military assets featured in the parade were fourth-generation tanks, advanced fighter jets, unmanned intelligent systems, and hypersonic anti-ship missiles.
China’s Foreign Ministry has earlier confirmed that President Xi Jinping formally invited Prabowo to attend the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the war against Japanese aggression.
All four service branches of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), along with its specialised forces, will participate.
Prabowo left Jakarta on Tuesday night with Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.
State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi said the president had delayed his trip, originally scheduled for August 31, due to domestic matters and would return Wednesday evening.
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Translator: Joko S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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