Expert on 'My Little Bolu Ketan' Song: Reality Confirms Bahlil's Spin Mastery

Social media has recently been abuzz with the song ‘My Little Bolu Ketan’, directed at Energy and Mineral Resources Minister (ESDM) and Golkar Party Chairman Bahlil Lahadalia.

Adi Prayitno, Executive Director of Parameter Politik Indonesia, believes Bahlil and Golkar have transformed the alleged satirical song into a positive issue. According to Adi, this demonstrates Bahlil’s reputation as a politician skilled in managing issues, dubbed the ‘King of Spin’.

‘The viral songs on social media may have started as satirical jabs at Bahlil, but in reality, they’ve become easy-listening tunes widely embraced by the public. Today’s social media conversations are dominated by humorous songs about Bahlil,’ said Adi Prayitno, Executive Director of Parameter Politik Indonesia, on Friday (29 May), quoted from detik.com.

‘This means the public is inadvertently growing fond of Bahlil as a political commodity. The public’s subconscious has been charmed by Bahlil’s appeal,’ he added.

Adi noted that the shift from satire to positivity is due to Golkar’s efforts, and possibly Bahlil himself. He said Golkar has repeatedly turned negative issues about Bahlil into positive ones.

‘This is part of Golkar’s strategy to transform negative issues about Bahlil into positive ones. It must be acknowledged that when Bahlil first became minister, he faced frequent criticism and bullying, but over time the criticism has shifted to a more positive tone. Bahlil remains a focal point of current political discourse,’ he added.

Adi pointed out that the public should remember Bahlil’s long-standing presence in Indonesian politics. He believes this experience has cemented Bahlil’s status as a ‘spin master’ in practical politics.

‘This reality underscores Bahlil’s prowess as a spin master, adept at navigating political manoeuvres. Even past criticisms have now gone viral through songs, becoming public conversation,’ he said.

However, Adi believes Bahlil’s positive image should not be seen as a threat to the incumbent in 2029. He stated that President Prabowo Subianto, who is also the Chairman and Chairman of the Advisory Council of Gerindra Party, remains unbeaten in the 2029 presidential race.

‘This spotlight merely signifies Bahlil as a new political phenomenon given his roles as ESDM Minister and Golkar Chairman. In the 2029 election, Prabowo faces little credible opposition, with his public support continuing to strengthen,’ he added.

Recently, AI-generated versions of the song ‘My Little Bolu Ketan’ have circulated widely on social media, targeting Bahlil.

Various AI-made video versions of the song have spread online, ranging from children’s tune styles to retro 1990s TV pop culture shows like Unplugged.

The lyrics are compiled from social media comments arranged into a song. Golkar Secretary-General Muhammad Sarmuji commented on the viral ‘Mas Bahlil Ganteng’ song.

Sarmuji said Golkar has no issue with the song’s popularity, describing it as entertaining. ‘The song is quite ’cute’ and fun. For us, if the public is happy, Golkar is happy. No problem. If others are happy, we’re happy,’ he told reporters on Wednesday (27 May).