Prabowo Subianto: The Former Military General with a Controversial History

Prabowo Subianto, the defence minister of Indonesia, is attracting the support of young voters despite his controversial past. Known for his alleged human rights abuses and disappearances, Subianto has undergone a slick makeover that has made him popular among the younger generation. His age has not deterred his appeal to young voters who feel he can connect with their generation. As a candidate in the upcoming presidential election in February, Subianto promises to continue the stability and economic growth initiatives of the current president, Joko Widodo. So far, Subianto is leading in the polls against his younger competitors, Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan. However, concerns remain among many Indonesians who fear Subianto's potential presidency due to his alleged past atrocities. He has never been held accountable for the abduction and killing of pro-democracy student activists and this has raised concerns about his commitment to democracy. Despite his cute and cuddly social media campaign, some young voters believe that cuteness does not equate to leadership qualities. Subianto's campaign has heavily relied on social media to target the millennial and Gen Z voters who make up a significant portion of Indonesia's eligible voters. His official Facebook and affiliated accounts have spent a significant amount on advertising, surpassing his rivals. Subianto's image has also been softened through the use of cartoons and memes, attracting the attention of younger voters. However, some remain skeptical of his campaign's authenticity and question if these online supporters are genuine. Subianto's presidential nomination is seen by his supporters as proof that he has moved past the allegations against him. Despite his controversial past, Subianto's association with Joko Widodo as his running mate and the support he enjoys from the president have helped reinstate his image. However, concerns about his volatile personality and unpredictable governance style persist. The outcome of the upcoming election will determine if Subianto can overcome his controversial past and secure the presidency.