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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Prabowo's TikTok Campaign
- Prabowo Subianto, a 72-year-old Indonesian presidential candidate, successfully rebranded himself on TikTok.
- He dances, raises his arms, shakes his hips, and even strips off his shirt to appeal to young voters.
Prabowo's Controversial Past
- Prabowo Subianto, despite a controversial past involving human rights abuses, is popular among young voters.
- Many Indonesians seem unaware or unconcerned about his history.
Youth Vote and Prabowo's Popularity
- Millennials and younger voters make up over half of Indonesia's electorate.
- Prabowo's popularity among this group, combined with President Jokowi's backing, makes him a likely next president.