Indonesia is on the cusp of a pivotal presidential election, set to take place in two more days on Wednesday, marking a significant moment for the world's third-largest democracy. The election has garnered attention for its potential to influence the country's future direction, amid concerns of a possible regression to authoritarian practices. Prabowo Subianto, a figure with a controversial past, has emerged as the frontrunner, thanks in part to a strategic rebranding effort on TikTok, featuring a cuddly avatar, aimed at appealing to the country's young voters. This digital campaign has transformed Subianto's image from that of a feared strongman to a more approachable candidate. The election's outcome is highly anticipated, with two of the three presidential contenders, excluding Subianto, pledging to uphold press freedom, highlighting the stakes involved. As Indonesia prepares to vote for Joko Widodo's successor, the election is seen as a critical juncture for a nation striving to maintain its democratic values while evolving into a 'global maritime fulcrum,' as described by Widodo.
Indonesia, the world's third-biggest democracy and one of Australia's closest neighbours, will vote for a new president tomorrow. #9News https://t.co/gqMsmBfvrO
Indonesia goes to the polls this week to vote for Joko Widodo's successor. Once of marginal importance, the country is now every bit the 'global maritime fulcrum' Jokowi claims. My latest @CityJournal: https://t.co/RwohPLZscR
My analysis on the eve of a critical presidential election: Indonesia’s Presidential Election: The Old Guard Faces the New https://t.co/hbq9LLtxBt via @CFR_org
Ominous: "Two of Indonesia's three presidential contenders pledged to protect press freedom in the world's third-largest democracy at a weekend event that frontrunner Prabowo Subianto didn't attend." https://t.co/g0791EfsW6
Indonesia's presidential candidates vie for the votes of young voters on TikTok https://t.co/OqbKx1PvxM https://t.co/RvbPnlqwAL
Indonesia, the world’s third-largest democracy, will hold its general election on Wednesday. This election season has raised fears that the country, which was an authoritarian state not long ago, is in danger of sliding back toward its dark past. https://t.co/QnbZK977bK
Just two more days before Indonesia votes. This election is a real nail-biter —the fate of the world’s third-largest democracy is at stake. https://t.co/Qge4GL1LQp
Indonesia election: cuddly avatar could boost strongman with a dark past Once Prabowo Subianto was one of the most feared figures in the country. Now a TikTok rebranding has made him frontrunner to lead the world’s third-largest democracy ⬇️ https://t.co/o5vI7rfcXE