Beijing: China has urged Indonesia to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals following recent protests in the Southeast Asian nation. The call comes amid rising concerns about the security of Chinese citizens and interests in Indonesia, prompting Beijing to closely monitor the situation.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Guo Jiakun, confirmed that China understands and respects Indonesia’s decision to cancel President Prabowo Subianto’s planned visit to Beijing, which was scheduled for September 3. “We acknowledge Indonesia’s precautionary measures and hope for the safety of all parties involved,” Guo said, while emphasizing that the cancellation is seen as a temporary adjustment in light of security concerns.
Despite the postponement, China confirmed that an Indonesian representative will still attend the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and the military parade in Beijing. The move underscores the ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two nations, highlighting their commitment to sustaining bilateral ties despite disruptions caused by domestic unrest.
The protests in Indonesia, which sparked the decision to delay the presidential visit, have raised broader concerns about the protection of foreign nationals in the country. Beijing has explicitly urged Indonesian authorities to safeguard Chinese citizens and address any security threats promptly. “Protecting our citizens abroad is a priority, and we trust Indonesia to ensure their safety,” the Ministry noted.
This development illustrates the delicate balance countries must strike between domestic stability and international diplomacy. While Indonesia navigates its internal challenges, China remains focused on maintaining a cooperative and stable relationship with its Southeast Asian neighbor. Both nations have expressed intentions to continue dialogue, reinforcing economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation in the region.
As the situation evolves, attention will remain on how Indonesia manages the protests and the safety of foreign nationals, while Beijing continues to advocate for precautionary measures and the protection of its citizens abroad. The postponed visit, although a setback, is expected to be rescheduled once conditions stabilize, reflecting the resilience of China-Indonesia relations.