G-20 Role For Indonesian Pop Star, 27, Sparks Criticism

Indonesia's decision to name a pop star as its Group of 20 spokesperson is the latest move in what some analysts say is a series of vanity appointments the government is making as part of a bid to connect with a young population.

Ayunda Faza Maudya -- a 27-year-old singer and actress better known as Maudy Ayunda -- was named as spokesperson for the country's G-20 presidency. Ayunda takes on the role as Indonesia faces the delicate balance of hosting several leaders of the world's 20 largest economies against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian delegates are invited to a G-20 meeting in Washington this week, despite other nations threatening boycotts.

The appointment is the latest in what critics say is a string of celebrities, startup founders and children of tycoons named to political roles as President Joko Widodo's administration attempts to woo a young population facing high unemployment. More than half the country's 273 million people are younger than 35 years old and the unemployment rate for those aged 16 to 30 was hovering at 14% last year.

"These symbolic appointments are part of efforts to temper criticism from the youth on critical issues, like jobs and public services," said Wasisto Raharjo Jati, a political researcher at National Research and Innovation Agency. "The government's outreach leans toward the privileged urban youths -- the kind of millennials who fit the idea they want to promote -- while leaving out the majority who are middle- to lower-income and live in rural areas."

Young Indonesians are more likely to be jobless at double the national rate of 6.5%. Despite state-run employment training programs and scholarships for higher education, about one in five of them are neither working nor studying, figures that bode poorly for Indonesia's aim to become a higher-income economy by 2045.

Ayunda, who lacks any diplomatic or economic experience, took on the role on March 31. At her first briefing, she appeared to ignore questions about Putin's attendance. Organizers told journalists to ask about her personality instead.

As part of a team of spokespeople, her role is to report the G-20 meeting results that are relevant to Indonesia while sensitive issues would be handled by other representatives, Ayunda said in response to Bloomberg questions.

She was chosen as someone who can reach the broader public, especially the millennial and Gen Z generation, said Dedy Permadi, communications ministry's spokesman. When Bloomberg sent in questions about the G-20 to the foreign ministry and communications ministry, the queries were routed to her as the spokeswoman.

Ayunda's appointment makes sense due to her overseas education and the government's push to create role models for young people, said Irfan Wahyudi, a deputy dean at social and political science faculty of Airlangga University. But for G-20, the country needs a representative who can speak on global issues on its behalf, he said.

"In this case, the use of young people will be seen as a gimmick, not as a strategic function."

Millennial Staff

In 2019, Jokowi named seven millennial special staff to advise him, including Putri Tanjung, 25, daughter of tycoon Chairul Tanjung of CT Corp., as well as startup founders Adamas Belva Devara, 31, and Andi Taufan Garuda Putra, 35. Presidential special staff have the right to receive monthly compensation of 51 million rupiah ($3,550), in a country where the average youth income is 2 million rupiah.

Months later, Putra resigned after misusing official letterheads to seek support for his company's activities, while Devara stepped down after public backlash due to his company being among those chosen to handle a $1.4 billion state contract for employment training.

There is also some doubt about whether the appointments do garner support from Indonesia's millennials, say analysts.

Young Indonesians are mainly concerned about economic issues, including access to education, jobs and a supportive environment to start businesses, said Hasanuddin Ali, chief executive officer at research firm Alvara Strategic. Last week, thousands of university students took to the streets to protest issues including the rising cost of food and fuel.

"These appointments to the president's circle are more cosmetic, giving no significant power to them to influence policy making."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)