How the ‘TikTok general’ became frontrunner in Indonesian election
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00:00 Voters chant their support for the Indonesian presidential candidate, General Prabowo Subianto.
00:07 The 72-year-old, the clear favourite, has spent the campaign reaching out to young voters.
00:13 In the world's largest Muslim democracy, half the population is aged below 40.
00:25 He's been given the nickname, the TikTok General.
00:28 Young Indonesians see Prabowo as someone cute. It's really a joyful and positive campaign.
00:38 This is the mastermind behind Subianto's modern campaign.
00:46 Using videos that have drawn millions of views on social media,
00:49 he's given the candidate a fresh image that appeals to young people.
00:54 This video went viral after a televised debate.
00:58 We analysed trends on social media to better target our audience.
01:02 The strategy has worked. Subianto has been ahead in the polls since October.
01:08 But he also faces allegations about his past.
01:11 In the 1990s, Subianto led crackdowns against opponents of the dictatorship that ruled Indonesia.
01:18 Critics allege he ordered the government to shut down the election.
01:22 Critics allege he ordered kidnappings, torture and summary executions.
01:27 This man is one of his victims.
01:30 He was abducted by security forces in 1998.
01:34 The frontrunner has not only reinvented himself as a benign grandfather figure.
01:50 With the son of the popular outgoing president as his running mate,
01:54 he also has the establishment on his side.
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