Economist Podcasts The Intelligence: A former general, elected in Indonesia
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Feb 15, 2024 
Su Lin Wong, the Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives deep into Indonesia's recent presidential election, where Prabowo Subianto claimed a controversial victory amid concerns over his human rights record. The discussion sheds light on the potential threat this poses to Indonesia's democratic progress. Additionally, the podcast touches on the groundbreaking advancements in AI technology, particularly with AMD's new microprocessor aiming to rival NVIDIA, and even the rise of slap fighting as a bizarre new spectacle in sports.
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Prabowo's Controversial Past
- Prabowo Subianto, despite losing previous elections and inciting deadly riots, is now Indonesia's likely president.
- He falsely accused previous votes of being stolen, highlighting his contested history.
Reasons for Prabowo's Win
- Prabowo's success is largely attributed to outgoing president Jokowi's endorsement and his son's vice presidential candidacy.
- His rebranding as a relatable figure on platforms like TikTok and populist campaign promises also played a role.
Concerns about Democratic Decline
- Many Indonesians view this election as the most undemocratic since Suharto's fall in 1998, citing irregularities and suppression of critics.
- Concerns arise from Prabowo's alleged human rights abuses and past attempts to abolish direct regional elections.