AI Revolutionizes Indonesian Election: Prabowo's Cartoon Charms Voters

In East Jakarta, 19-year-old shopkeeper Fika Juliana Putri is gearing up to cast her vote in Indonesia's upcoming presidential election.

Her choice? A once-feared former special forces commander whom she finds endearing.

The unconventional campaign strategy of General Prabowo Subianto, Indonesia's defense minister, has captured the attention of voters like Putri. An AI-generated cartoon version of Prabowo, exuding a cute and cuddly vibe, has become ubiquitous on billboards, merchandise, and social media platforms nationwide.

Transforming Political Campaigning with AI

As Indonesia prepares for its general elections on February 14, observers believe that the widespread use of generative AI in political campaigning could herald a new era in electoral tactics.

The youthful and approachable persona projected by Prabowo's AI avatar marks a departure from his previous fiery nationalist image, resonating particularly with the younger demographic, who make up half of Indonesia's 205 million voters.

According to Reuters, Prabowo's campaign and other political entities have embraced AI technology to craft tailored campaign strategies and speeches. Pemilu.AI, an app developed by political consultant Yose Rizal, utilizes OpenAI's GPT-4 and 3.5 software to analyze demographic data, social media trends, and news websites. The app generates speeches, slogans, and social media content customized for specific constituencies, catering to the preferences and priorities of individual candidates.

Ethical Concerns and Regulatory Oversight

However, the growing reliance on AI in political campaigning raises ethical concerns and prompts questions about regulatory oversight. While some argue that AI-powered tools like Pemilu.AI enhance transparency and facilitate informed decision-making, others caution against the potential for voter manipulation and the spread of misinformation.

As Indonesia's election campaign unfolds, stakeholders grapple with the implications of AI technology in shaping electoral outcomes.

According to Jakarta Globe, while regulatory frameworks are yet to be fully developed, policymakers, tech providers, and civil society organizations are closely monitoring the use of AI in political campaigns to ensure fair and transparent electoral processes.

Photo: Bisma Mahendra/Unsplash