Penal populism


Strongmen unite: Bobby (right) greeting Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto in the North Sumatra capital earlier this year. — The Jakarta Post/ANN

MEDAN Mayor Bobby Nasution, the 32-year-old son-in-law of President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, is probably too young to have heard Indonesian folk singer Iwan Fals’ popular song Sugali – or he may just not be much of a fan.

It’s a catchy, country-inflected tune about a thug named Sugali who chooses to live a dangerous life under the New Order’s “Petrus” policy.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
Medan , violence , Bobby Nasution

Next In Focus

From student activist to political leader
Finding home in fandom
Beyond the mayoral debate: Who gets to author Kuala Lumpur?
The fierce listener
A mega niche
Freezing under fire
Safety standards not in the loop
Conflict drags on as millions starve
Protest brings a sense of belonging
Reverse mentoring in the works

Others Also Read