Political Observers Say 'MBG Mas Bahlil Ganteng' Song Benefits Golkar, Particularly in Politics

Jakarta – Political observer Adi Prayitno has assessed that the viral song ‘Mas Bahlil Ganteng’ currently circulating online brings benefits to the Golkar Party.

“Like it or not, this benefits Golkar. As of today, there is hardly any political party chairman outside of Prabowo Subianto who is sung about every day, except for MBG, Mas Bahlil Ganteng,” he said at the Golkar DPD headquarters in Jakarta, Monday 1 June 2026.

Adi acknowledged that the song originally served as satire directed at the Golkar Party chairman regarding his performance. However, over time, Golkar has transformed this negativity into something positive.

“Golkar, including Bahlil, has been able to reverse a situation that was somewhat negative and turn it into something positive,” he said.

Adi also noted that Bahlil’s fame resulting from the song is advantageous for Golkar, particularly ahead of the 2029 general election. It has the potential not only to increase voter support in Jakarta but also to provide greater political opportunities for Golkar.

“Because one of the important points in politics is often discussed. Once something is frequently discussed, it usually enters people’s hearts and they come to the polling station for what they have been singing about, and that is what Golkar’s colleagues must maintain,” he said.

“I think this is an extraordinary political asset. What remains to be tested is whether, over the next three years, this MBG song can outcompete other songs,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Zaki Iskandar, chairman of Golkar’s DPD in Jakarta, acknowledged that beyond the song itself, Bahlil’s work performance is what is currently most noteworthy. In addition to being Golkar Party chairman, Bahlil also serves as Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.

“He is one of the ministers under the spotlight, one who is executing his duties – what has been given and mandated by the President and by society – how our chairman Bahlil is able to perform his duties well,” he said.

One example of Bahlil’s performance, according to Zaki, is his ability to maintain fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East.