Observer: President Prabowo’s Visit to Beijing a Strategic Step and a Symbol of Global Recognition
Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit to Beijing at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping has drawn a positive response from various groups.
Observers believe that Prabowo’s presence in China is not only symbolic, but also full of diplomatic, economic, and strategic significance for Indonesia amidst the ever-evolving global dynamics.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed that this visit was a direct invitation from President Xi Jinping.
“This is not just a matter of protocol, but a rare diplomatic honor,” Prasetyo stressed.
Prabowo was previously scheduled to depart for China last weekend. However, the plan was canceled due to the escalating domestic tensions stemming from a wave of demonstrations in various regions.
“Of course, due to the dynamics within the country, the President wants to continue monitoring directly. He also wants to continue monitoring directly,” said Prasetyo.
According to him, Prabowo wants to ensure the situation remains under control while also finding the best solution to the existing problems.
During the delayed departure, Prabowo gathered political party leaders and state agency officials at the Palace to discuss the national situation. During the meeting, he reiterated the state’s commitment to protecting the people from anarchic acts.
International Relations observer, Dinna Prapto Raharja, said that President Prabowo’s presence in Beijing shows Indonesia’s position as a middle power that is active in the global arena.
“The President wants to hear directly from the major powers amidst the tense global dynamics,” he said.
Dinna hopes that this visit will also be a basis for maintaining international peace.
“I hope the President will follow up by maintaining a calm global situation and not be provoked by harsh rhetoric,” he added.
From an economic perspective, Executive Director of the Center of Economic and Law Studies (CELIOS), Bhima Yudhistira, assessed President Prabowo’s presence as a strategic step considering China’s important position in the Indonesian economy.
“China is a significant investor and trading partner for Indonesia. This opportunity can be used to improve the quality of cooperation, from workforce development to downstream investment,” said Bhima.
Public Policy Observer and Trisakti University Academic, Dr. Trubus Rahardiansah, assessed Prabowo’s decision to depart for Beijing amidst national dynamics as a measured step that demonstrates leadership capacity.
“Xi Jinping’s invitation is no ordinary event. From Indonesia’s perspective, this step confirms our active role in global diplomacy,” he said.
Trubus also emphasized that Prabowo was not rash in making decisions.
“The decision to depart was made after ensuring that domestic conditions were under control, dialogue with religious leaders was held, and the people’s aspirations were heard,” he explained.
He linked this to Huntington’s concept of political stability, namely the state’s ability to respond quickly to social dynamics.
Furthermore, he highlighted the symbolic meaning of the parallel seating positions of Prabowo, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin in the state parade.
“It’s not just a place setting, but a symbol of global recognition of Indonesia’s position,” Trubus explained.
According to him, only the Indonesian President received a special bilateral meeting with Xi Jinping.
“That is a diplomatic privilege that is rarely granted,” he stressed.
Using Robert Putnam’s two-level game theory framework, Trubus concluded that this visit sent two messages at once.
“Domestically: Indonesia is capable of maintaining stability. Internationally: Indonesia is a crucial actor that cannot be ignored. Domestic and international legitimacy converge here,” he concluded.
