Jokowi criticised for naming pop star to G-20 role in youth bid

Critics say the decision to name singer Maudy Ayunda as spokesman is a vanity appointment. - JP

JAKARTA (Bloomberg): Indonesia’s decision to name a pop star as its Group of 20 spokesperson is the latest move in what critics say are vanity appointments the government has made as part of a bid to connect with its 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.