Prabowo makes brief Beijing visit after delay over domestic issues

JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto departed for Beijing on Tuesday night, after delaying his trip to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping due to domestic considerations.

Prabowo's aircraft departed Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base at around 10 pm local time with a limited delegation.

State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi said Prabowo decided to leave for Beijing last night to maintain good relations with China and was scheduled to return home tonight.

"President Xi's invitation was set for August 31, but President Prabowo delayed his departure after considering the situation at home," he said in a statement.

Beijing invited the president to attend the 80th anniversary commemoration and military parade.

Prabowo is expected to meet several world leaders, including Xi, during the visit, which is anticipated to bring positive outcomes for Indonesia-China relations, Prasetyo added.

-- BERNAMA