Indonesian K-pop fans accuse Ganjar Pranowo of using them as ‘political tool’ ahead of 2024 election

Ganjar had mulled inviting K-pop stars to Indonesia and sought suggestions on social media, prompting some netizens to slam his ‘political agenda’

He backed down as opposition to his plan grew, insisting it was initiated as a way to boost the local economy and tourism

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Presidential hopeful Ganjar Pranowo backed down as opposition to his plan grew, insisting it had “nothing to do with politics” and was initiated as a way to boost the local economy and tourism business. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 7:00am, 3 Aug 2023

K-pop lovers in Indonesia have panned presidential hopeful Ganjar Pranowo for proposing to host a concert in Central Java, seemingly aimed at wooing young voters ahead of next year’s general election.

Ganjar recently said his campaigner and Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka were eyeing inviting K-pop stars to the city, and he had no idea who to tap on.

The presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), which includes Indonesian president and Gibran’s father Joko Widodo, also sought suggestions from social media users.

While some recommended bands like K-pop heavyweight BTS and the new boy group Xodiac, others questioned Ganjar’s intention behind using a music show to connect with the electorate, saying he needs to focus on policies promoting work-life balance and freedom of expression.

“Soliciting ideas from K-pop fans? There’s still a lot of work to do. It’s not the time to relax and watch entertainment,” a user responded to the Central Java governor on X, formerly known as Twitter.

K-pop fans also accused Ganjar of capitalising on the genre to score political mileage and lacking “quality ideas”, suggesting he give local singers a chance to showcase their work.

“Please talk about what Indonesia will be like in the future, sir. How are you going to deal with traffic jams?” asked a user.

Netizens also said K-pop idols in South Korea typically stayed clear of politics during elections, and Ganjar should not use them as a “political tool” in his campaigns.

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