Election in Indonesia Presents a Challenge for the U.S.
May 10, 2024
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Former general, Prabowo Subianto, poses a democracy challenge in Indonesia's upcoming election. The U.S. once supported him, but later banned him. Meanwhile, a TV song contest in Venezuela is filled with songs praising the authoritarian president.
Prabowo Subianto's election as Indonesia's president raises concerns about potential setbacks for democracy, posing a challenge for the U.S.
Venezuela's TV song contest portrays President Maduro positively, but growing disillusionment with his policies may hinder its impact.
Deep dives
Challenges of Indonesia's Election and US Involvement
Indonesia's recent election results have posed a challenge with the likely presidency of Prabowo Subianto, a figure with a controversial history of ties to authoritarianism according to NPR's Anthony Cune. Critics express concerns over potential setbacks for Indonesian democracy under his leadership despite his campaign portraying him as a democracy advocate. The United States faces a dilemma balancing geopolitical interests with human rights values in its relationship with Indonesia, particularly due to Prabowo's past military activities and alleged human rights violations. Tim Reeser highlights the tension between upholding principles and maintaining strategic partnerships as the US navigates its historical ties with Indonesia.
Venezuela's M Factor: Musical Propaganda for Maduro
In Venezuela, a reality show called the M factor on state television glorifies President Maduro through song contests, as reported by John Otis on NPR. Contestants compete to compose songs praising Maduro, aiming to become his campaign anthem for the upcoming presidential election. Despite the show's efforts to promote Maduro through upbeat tunes, growing disillusionment with his economic policies and democratic erosion suggest the propaganda may not resonate with the electorate. The M factor exemplifies Maduro's use of media control to sway public support and silence opposition voices in the lead-up to the election.
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Challenges of the Indonesian Election and U.S. Support Dilemma
Prabowo Subianto will become the president of Indonesia in the Fall. Critics worry that the former general under a previous authoritarian government will roll back democracy. That presents a challenge for the U.S., which once trained and supported Prabowo, then subsequently banned him from entering the U.S. for twenty years.
And a TV song contest in Venezuela in which every song is about the authoritarian president.