Indonesians mock Trump-style 'personality politics'
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto's repeated controversial comments spark debate over his "populist" communication style.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has been making headlines with his unconventional communication style, which has drawn widespread mockery on social media. At a recent political event in Jakarta, Mr Prabowo joked that reading his prepared speech would put him to sleep and quipped that his advisors warned him against going off script.
During his speech, he referred to supporters who fought alongside the Dutch during the country's struggle for independence as "londo ireng," invoking a derogatory term that sparked outrage among journalists, analysts, and NGOs. The Indonesian Alliance of Independent Journalists and other media groups condemned the insult as demeaning and dangerous for press freedom and democracy.
Mr Prabowo has also dismissed economic concerns by suggesting that people in villages do not use the rupiah, and he made controversial statements about Iran's nuclear capabilities. His recent communication style has raised questions about its impact on voters' confidence and the economy. Media and politics academic Ambang Priyonggo noted that Mr Prabowo's style has become more populist, relying on simple, direct, and everyday language, drawing comparisons to US President Donald Trump.
He warned that this approach could create a cult of personality, making it difficult to criticize the president's policies. While some Indonesians have responded with mocking humor, others express dissatisfaction with the government's tone-deaf statements, suggesting that the president's public speaking needs better management.
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