Indonesia’s upcoming presidential election on Feb. 14 is witnessing an unprecedented use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in political campaigning, particularly by the camp of one candidate, General Prabowo Subianto, who is the country’s current defense minister.
Fika Juliana Putri, a 19-year-old shopkeeper in East Jakarta, plans to cast her vote for Prabowo, drawn in part by his cuddly persona portrayed through an AI-generated cartoon version of him. This adorable avatar, featuring the once-feared former special forces commander, has gained immense popularity among Gen Z voters, who make up a significant portion of Indonesia’s electorate.
Despite Prabowo’s political background, which includes failed presidential bids and his current role as defense minister, his AI-generated persona has rebranded him as “gemoy,” meaning cute and cuddly in Indonesian slang. This unique campaign approach has resonated with many young voters like Putri, who are attracted to the softer image of the candidate.
The use of generative AI in Prabowo’s campaign extends beyond creating a cartoon avatar. It includes various tools such as chatbots, social media sentiment tracking, and personalized campaign materials tailored to specific demographics. While the campaign and the AI technology providers have not commented on the specifics of their collaboration, it’s clear that AI has become a central element in modern political campaigning.
The adoption of AI in Indonesia’s election has raised concerns among experts about its potential impact and ethical considerations. With OpenAI being a major provider of AI tools used in the election, questions have been raised about the policing of its policies, especially regarding political campaigning. While OpenAI has issued guidelines prohibiting the use of its technology for political campaigning, reports suggest that these guidelines are being tested and sometimes breached by vendors and campaigns.
Despite the controversies surrounding the use of AI in political campaigning, supporters argue that it has democratized access to advanced campaigning tools, allowing smaller candidates to compete on a more level playing field. However, concerns remain about the potential misuse of AI for spreading misinformation and disinformation, as demonstrated by the creation of “deepfake” videos featuring the late ruler Suharto.
As Indonesia’s election unfolds, it serves as a test case for the role of AI in shaping political discourse and voter engagement. While AI offers new opportunities for political campaigning, it also raises important questions about transparency, accountability, and the ethical use of technology in democratic processes.