The Intelligence from The Economist
The Intelligence: Indonesia’s election, more TikTok than tick-box
Jan 31, 2024
Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, dives into the intriguing dynamics of Indonesia’s elections, where social media prowess often trumps policy discussions. She highlights TikTok's transformative role, engaging young voters and reshaping political strategies. Despite the digital frenzy, there's a desire for authentic information. The conversation also touches on the economic implications of alternatives to the Panama Canal and the alarming rise of invasive wild boars in Canada, complicating agricultural practices.
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Quick takeaways
- Viral campaign videos on TikTok have become an effective way to engage young voters in Indonesia's national election, showcasing the significant influence social media platforms hold in shaping political engagement and outcomes.
- The Panama Canal's reduced capacity due to the worst drought in over 70 years has led neighboring countries to consider alternative routes for transporting cargo, although maritime routes remain more efficient and established rail routes already exist in the Americas.
Deep dives
Indonesia's national election and the power of TikTok
Ahead of Indonesia's national election, viral campaign videos on TikTok have become an effective way to engage young voters. One candidate, Propose to Bianto, a former defense minister, has successfully rebranded himself through dancing videos and garnered support from young people, despite his controversial past. With more than half of Indonesia's voters being millennials or younger, social media platforms like TikTok hold significant influence in shaping political engagement and outcomes.
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