Parades, Protests, Power Plays
Issue 14 — Key Developments Across Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Editor’s Note
by Haniva Sekar Deanty, Lead Editor - Maritime Crescent Desk
This week’s issue brings together three very different, yet deeply connected, stories of how Southeast Asia is engaging with the world. What ties them together is the reminder that diplomacy is never just about formal meetings or signed agreements, but it is also about perception, timing, and the stories we choose to tell.
In Indonesia, President Prabowo Subianto’s decision to attend China’s Victory Day parade came at a moment of immense domestic tension. With protests raging at home, his trip signaled both continuity in Indonesia’s foreign policy and a gamble on projecting stability abroad. It showed how foreign engagements can be both an assertion of long-standing principles and a test of political resilience.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, meanwhile, used the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit to do what he has long promised: to act as a bridge. His meetings in Beijing secured support for Malaysia’s BRICS membership and highlighted his push to give ASEAN a stronger voice in wider global conversations.
And away from the headlines of summits and crisis, a film screening at Universiti Brunei Darussalam reminded us of the power of cultural diplomacy. By showcasing a Chinese wartime story of courage and solidarity, the event underscored that trust and connection often grow not only in negotiating rooms but also in shared values and collective memory.
Taken together, these moments remind us that Southeast Asia’s diplomacy is layered. It is about navigating immediate challenges, building long-term partnerships, and recognizing the quieter forms of engagement that often leave the deepest mark. In a time of growing uncertainty, each of these stories offers a glimpse of how the region continues to define its place in the world, on its own terms.
Indonesia 🇮🇩
On a Tightrope: Prabowo's Decision to Attend China's Victory Day Parade
by Haniva Sekar Deanty, in Jakarta
President Prabowo Subianto flew to Beijing to attend China’s WWII Victory Day parade, joining world leaders such as Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, on 3 September 2025. The visit, which Xi hailed as ‘demonstrating the importance of China-Indonesia relations’, signalled continuity of Indonesia’s foreign policy posture as the country grappled with deadly nationwide protests.
Prabowo's visit was more than ceremonial; it conveyed Indonesia’s long-standing foreign policy doctrine of ‘independent and active’. Indonesia has long pursued a non-aligned path. The earlier trips to China and the United States (U.S.), coupled with a recent BRICS membership, reinforced this legacy by deepening ties with both superpowers while avoiding rigid blocs. Foreign policy expert Darmansah Djumala stated that Indonesia’s actions, Prabowo’s attendance in China and BRICS membership should not be taken as the country ‘favoring China over the U.S.’, but rather as a balancing act in the great power rivalry of the Indo-Pacific.
These balancing acts reflect not only historical principles but also pragmatic geopolitical choices. Indonesia, facing President Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariff earlier this year, is compelled to diversify its economic cooperation—prompting moves that some Western capitals may view as eastward. While China remains Indonesia’s largest trading partner, U.S.-Indonesia relations have been particularly dynamic. Trump’s mid-2025 tariff letter, threatening a 32% rate, forced Indonesia into negotiations—resulting in an asymmetrical 19% tariff deal, which some believe to be a high-stakes move: one that could benefit Indonesia if managed effectively but could prove severely damaging if mishandled.
The trip, which also featured a high-level bilateral meeting on strengthening the Indonesia-China partnership, was nearly cancelled due to the deadly protests sparked by a controversial housing allowance policy for lawmakers, galvanizing public anger. The administration responded by scrapping certain perks for lawmakers and warned protesters that violent acts could veer into treason or terrorism. After cancelling attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit due to the unrest, Xi Jinping praised Prabowo’s decision to attend the Victory Day parade—hailing it as proof of Indonesia’s friendship with China—and expressed support for Indonesia’s stability.
Prabowo’s Beijing visit was as much about managing perceptions as it was about strengthening bilateral ties. By pressing ahead despite the unrest and assuring Beijing that Indonesia’s situation was stabilizing, the administration projected continuity in Indonesia’s foreign policy and reaffirmed its partnership with China. The President’s seemingly eastward policies were less about outright alignment with any rigid bloc and more about balancing—evident in Indonesia’s earlier tariff negotiations, which signaled its eagerness to maintain warm relations with Washington, and even engaging with other Western capitals, including Bastille Day attendance and new agreements with the EU. Still, the decision to proceed with the trip amid ongoing domestic outcry revealed the tension between international diplomacy and urgent demands for accountability at home. Even with Xi’s endorsement of Prabowo’s leadership, the real test lies in how effectively Prabowo can align foreign engagements with restoring domestic trust—a challenge that will shape both the credibility of his presidency and Indonesia’s ability to navigate an increasingly complex regional environment.
Haniva is a policy analyst and researcher specializing in international security and regional affairs. She holds a Master’s in International Relations from King’s College London and works with the Centre for International Security and Economic Strategy (CISES) as well as the King’s Policy Research Centre. Her work focuses on maritime security, ASEAN’s strategic role, and the Indo-Pacific’s evolving dynamics.
Malaysia 🇲🇾
Malaysia Diversifies Global Ties with Historic SCO Engagement
by Edrina Lisa Ozaidi, in WP Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his wife attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin at the invitation of President Xi Jinping. While Malaysia has never been an observer or dialogue partner at the Summit, the invitation suggests a strategic relationship aimed at deepening ties, expanding cooperation, and reinforcing their commitments to multilateralism.
The Malaysian PM’s attendance marked the first time a Malaysian leader – and an ASEAN Chair in office – had attended the Summit, which drew a lot of attention from both the public and the media. The invitation itself reflects a deepening and increasingly strategic trust between both nations.
During the PM’s bilateral meeting with President Xi at the Great Hall of the People, Anwar successfully secured China’s full support for Malaysia’s bid to join BRICS as a full member. Another key moment from Anwar’s visit to China was his meeting with Premier Li Qiang, where they discussed further steps to progress and implement the previously agreed-upon Memorandum of Understanding.
Besides that, Anwar also delivered remarks at the SCO Plus Summit, where he used the moment to address key regional and international issues. He called for an urgent reform of the global governance structures, highlighting the failure of existing multilateral institutions in addressing global crises. He added that this causes “declining trust in the international system,” using his speech to reinforce Malaysia’s independent and vocal diplomatic position.
Malaysia’s engagement with the SCO brings significant benefits. First, it will further strengthen partnership with China—Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years—to a more comprehensive and strategic exchange. Second, Anwar seized the opportunity to actively promote Malaysia as a valuable regional hub for long-term investment in a business dialogue where over 120 Chinese investors attended. Third and most importantly, Malaysia’s attendance at the Summit strengthens ASEAN's foothold and influence with China. Through ASEAN Chairmanship, Anwar sought to act as a bridge and seek opportunities for ASEAN, aiming to bring the two blocs closer together.
Anwar joined 25 foreign leaders, among them North Korea’s Kim Jong Un, at the Victory Day Parade in Beijing, which commemorated 80 years since the end of World War II. This underscores Malaysia’s diplomatic reach, symbolizing its close ties with China and their shared message of defending national sovereignty.
Ultimately, Anwar’s attendance at the SCO Summit reflects his pragmatic approach to foreign policy. By engaging with a major Eurasian security and economic bloc, Malaysia is diversifying its diplomatic partnerships and asserting its influence beyond traditional alliances. This not only reinforces Malaysia's commitment to economic growth but also to the shared prosperity of the ASEAN region.
Edrina is a communications professional with a background in international relations. She holds a degree from the University of Nottingham Malaysia and has worked across public relations and social media for organizations in the development, education, and corporate sectors. Her work focuses on crafting narratives around regional affairs and strengthening media engagement across Southeast Asia.
Brunei Darussalam 🇧🇳
Soft Power on Screen
by Syimah Johari, in Bandar Seri Begawan
At the end of August, the Chinese Embassy hosted a film reception at Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Pro-Chancellor Arts Centre. The film, titled ‘The Sinking Of Lisbon Maru’, holds symbolic meaning for China as it tells the story of Chinese fishermen who, in October 1942, rescued 384 survivors of the shipwreck, embodying courage and selflessness. Beyond commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the event highlighted the growing role of cultural diplomacy in international relations.
Cultural diplomacy is often referred to as the exchange of ideas, values, and traditions. This includes the use of arts, including film, and cultural exchanges to foster understanding and build trust between nations. Cultural diplomacy differs from the traditional perception of diplomacy, often associated with coercive measures that include the use of hard power in the form of military or economic agreements. Cultural diplomacy’s influence is often underestimated as it works quietly and is much harder to measure compared to traditional diplomacy. However, today, it is increasingly preferred as it has a long-term impact on gaining soft power and mutual understanding, without resorting to hard power measures.
The showcased film underscored values deeply embedded in Chinese culture—commitment, resilience, bravery, and cooperation—principles that strongly resonate with ASEAN societies. This cultural familiarity creates a sense of connection, making the film meaningful not just to Chinese audiences but also to countries like Brunei. By welcoming the Chinese Embassy’s reception, Brunei signaled its openness to cultural exchange, strengthening people-to-people ties through cinema. This was further exemplified in 2023, when Brunei featured Chinese science fiction and adventure films during the 8th Brunei Film Blitz at the Mahakarya Institute of Arts in Brunei Darussalam. These initiatives highlight that Brunei–China relations extend beyond trade and economics; they are grounded in cultural diplomacy, where shared values and creative platforms foster deeper mutual understanding.
This form of diplomacy also aligns closely with ASEAN’s vision. It supports the goals of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, one of the region’s key pillars, which emphasizes strengthening cooperation among member states while promoting cultural diversity, a shared identity, and dialogue both within the region and with external partners. Through these non-confrontational efforts, cultural diplomacy provides a powerful tool to foster trust and unity, especially in a time marked by increasing competition among major powers.
Cultural initiatives, such as the recent film reception hosted in Brunei by the Chinese Embassy, deserve greater attention as they foster trust and understanding in ways that trade and security agreements alone cannot guarantee. While often underestimated due to its subtle and long-term nature, cultural diplomacy is far from optional; it is a strategic necessity. In a time of heightened geopolitical tension, these quiet yet impactful exchanges remind us that diplomacy is not only about power or high politics, but also shared stories, values and connections that bring nations together.
Syimah is a graduate of King’s College London with a BA in International Relations. With a strong focus on diplomacy, regional cooperation, and development policy, she is passionate about contributing to meaningful change through public service. Currently, she is involved in poverty alleviation work through a local NGO.
Editorial Deadline 07/09/2025 11:59 PM (UTC +8)
