Economist Podcasts
The Intelligence: Indonesia’s election, more TikTok than tick-box
Jan 31, 2024
Su Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on Indonesia's unique approach to campaigning, where social media savvy trumps policy discussions. She highlights a 72-year-old candidate’s transformation via TikTok, raising questions about authenticity in politics. The conversation also delves into the declining Panama Canal's impact on global trade and the challenges posed by wild boar hybrids in Canada, which are disrupting local agriculture while alarming American pork producers.
20:59
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Quick takeaways
- Probo Santoso, a 72-year-old defense minister in Indonesia, has gained popularity among young Indonesians by rebranding himself with viral TikTok campaign videos, highlighting the influence of social media on elections.
- The Panama Canal's significant drop in trade volume due to drought has neighboring countries exploring alternative land-based routes, indicating the impact of climate change on global trade routes.
Deep dives
Indonesia's Presidential Election: A Rebranded Candidate Woos Young Voters
Probo Santoso, a 72-year-old defense minister in Indonesia with a controversial past, has successfully rebranded himself with young voters through viral campaign videos on TikTok. Despite his history of alleged human rights abuses and autocratic tendencies, Probo has gained popularity among young Indonesians who see him as cute and like a friendly grandpa. With more than half of Indonesia's voters being millennials or younger, Probo is likely to become the next president, aided by his association with the current beloved president and clever social media tactics.
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