When President Prabowo Subianto appeared on the main stage in Beijing’s Victory Day parade, standing alongside Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un, the image quickly went viral across Asia. In China, it was splashed across newspapers and online portals. In Japan, however, media coverage chose a different angle, focusing instead on the “trio” of Xi, Putin, and Kim.
At first glance, some Indonesian observers were quick to highlight that Prabowo was “cut out” from Japanese coverage. But a closer look at media framing shows a more complex — and far more beneficial — story for Indonesia. This was not just about who appeared in which photo. It was about how different countries position Indonesia in the shifting global order.
China’s Media: Indonesia as a Global Equal
In Chinese outlets, Prabowo’s presence next to Xi was given prominent visibility. The symbolism was unmistakable. For Beijing, the presence of leaders from multiple countries demonstrates that China’s National Day is not only a domestic event but a global one. By placing Prabowo in their headlines and photos, Chinese media framed Indonesia as an equal partner among the world’s great powers.
This matters. In the logic of media framing, photos are not chosen at random. They are carefully curated to reflect national interest. By highlighting Prabowo, China was signaling to its domestic audience that its celebration was validated by the attendance of respected global figures, including the leader of Southeast Asia’s largest nation. For Indonesia, this recognition underscored the country’s importance in the eyes of one of the world’s biggest powers.
Japan’s Media: Old Rivals, Different Focus
Japanese coverage looked very different. Major outlets highlighted the trio of Xi, Putin, and Kim, presenting them as a symbol of the Eastern bloc. Indonesia’s presence was far less visible, leading some commentators to suggest that Prabowo was sidelined.
But the context matters. The official title of the event was the commemoration of “80 years of China’s victory over fascist Japan.” From a Japanese perspective, the parade was a story about history, rivalry, and the reemergence of China’s geopolitical narrative. Within this framing, Indonesia simply did not fit. That does not mean Indonesia was ignored or diminished. Instead, it reflects Japan’s choice to focus on its own place in the story.
Why This Dual Framing Benefits Indonesia
At first glance, the contrast between Chinese and Japanese media might seem troubling. But on closer inspection, it works to Indonesia’s advantage. In China, Indonesia was elevated — presented as part of the inner circle of global leadership. In Japan, Indonesia was not placed inside the bloc defined by China, Russia, and North Korea.
This means Indonesia reaped the best of both worlds. In Beijing, the country gained visibility and respect. In Tokyo, it preserved its Non-Aligned identity, avoiding association with the Eastern bloc. For a nation that has long prided itself on its independent and “free and active” foreign policy, this is exactly the kind of positioning that strengthens credibility on the global stage.
Non-Aligned, But Never Irrelevant
Indonesia’s foreign policy since the Sukarno era has been rooted in the idea of non-alignment: maintaining independence from major power blocs while actively engaging in global diplomacy. The recent images from Beijing, and the contrasting coverage in China and Japan, demonstrate that this principle is not outdated. On the contrary, it remains Indonesia’s strongest card.
By standing beside Xi and Putin in Beijing, Prabowo showed that Indonesia is respected in the East. By not being lumped together with them in Japanese coverage, Indonesia showed that it remains acceptable to the West. This balancing act is not a weakness. It is a strategic strength.
Critics may argue that photos are superficial. But in international politics, images are powerful. They shape perceptions not only among foreign audiences but also within domestic debates. A single photo can send a signal about hierarchy, recognition, and status.
In this case, the symbolism works in Indonesia’s favor. Prabowo’s presence on the Beijing stage says that Indonesia is not a passive observer but an active participant in shaping global narratives. At the same time, Japan’s selective framing confirms that Indonesia is not being pulled into bloc politics. In both cases, the result is an Indonesia that remains independent, relevant, and strategically positioned.
Lessons for Indonesia’s Future Role
The controversy around cropped photos in Japanese media should not distract from the larger picture. Indonesia is a rising power with a population of 280 million, an economy among the world’s top 20, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Asia. Recognition by major powers is not a favor — it is a reflection of Indonesia’s importance.
Prabowo’s appearance in Beijing was therefore more than ceremonial. It was a reminder that Indonesia has a seat at the table. Whether through the G20, ASEAN leadership, or bilateral ties with major powers, Indonesia has the ability to influence conversations that shape the future of global politics.
