Beijing. China expressed understanding over Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to postpone his planned visit to the country, saying it trusts his government to restore stability after violent unrest erupted across Indonesia.

“China understands and respects the readjustment to President Prabowo’s trip,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular briefing Monday, as quoted by China Daily. “We believe that under President Prabowo’s leadership, the Indonesian government will handle the domestic situation properly and restore stability as soon as possible.”

Prabowo had been scheduled to travel to China this week to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin and commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Instead, Foreign Minister Sugiono will represent Indonesia at both events, Guo said.

The spokesman added that Beijing hopes Jakarta will “take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese institutions and personnel in Indonesia” as demonstrations continue in several cities.

The unrest, initially sparked by public anger over lawmakers’ housing and lifestyle allowances, intensified after a 21-year-old motorcycle taxi driver was killed by a police armored vehicle during a protest in Jakarta last Thursday. Clashes have since spread to multiple provinces, leaving casualties and damage to government buildings.

Prabowo, speaking Monday after visiting injured victims at the National Police’s Bhayangkara Hospital in East Jakarta, vowed a tough response against what he called organized rioters.

“Their intention is not to voice aspirations. Their intention is to cause chaos, disrupt people’s lives, and sabotage national development efforts aimed at ending poverty,” he said. He alleged that some attacks were premeditated, citing the discovery of a truck loaded with arson tools.

The president stressed that peaceful demonstrations remain protected under the law, provided they are registered and end before nightfall, but condemned the burning and vandalism of the House of Representatives complex in Jakarta.

“The parliament building represents national sovereignty. Burning it shows the intent was not to protest, but to create unrest,” Prabowo said. “By God, I will not retreat even a step. I believe the people are with me.”

Prabowo had been invited alongside more than two dozen world leaders to attend defense-related events in China, including the SCO summit and a military parade. His absence underscores the political pressures at home as his administration grapples with its biggest street unrest since taking office.

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