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Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents and writers.

Kate Adie introduces insight, wit and analysis from BBC correspondents, journalists and writers telling stories from around the world.

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From Our Own Correspondent: Rebranding Indonesia's politicians

01/02/2024

Rebranding Indonesia's politicians

BBC Radio 4 - From Our Own Correspondent, Rebranding Indonesia's politicians

From strongman to cuddly grandpa figure: how Prabowo Subianto's image has been remade

Presidential frontrunner Prabowo Subianto was once known as a military strongman, now he's pitching himself as a cuddly grandfather to Indonesia's first-time voters.

Kate Adie introduces correspondents' reflections from Indonesia, Argentina, Kenya, Colombia and Germany.

Prabowo Subianto was once a military strongman at the forefront of Indonesian politics - now his public image is more cuddly grandfather. He's run for the country's presidency twice before - and failed. Will it be third time lucky? The BBC's former Indonesia correspondent Rebecca Henschke recently revisited the country and was startled by his apparent image makeover to appeal to first-time voters. 

When Javier Milei was elected President of Argentina in November, it was largely thanks to his promises of radical change to save the economy. In Buenos Aires recently, James Menendez saw signs of fiscal distress everywhere.

Kenya's Penal Code outlaws abortion, with limited exceptions, and so each year tens of thousands of women and girls facing unwanted pregnancies resort to backstreet clinics, or try to induce terminations themselves. Linda Ngari explores the dangers they face - and the reasons they're willing to run the risk.

Going from armed rebel to eco-tourist guide might seem a drastic career change - but it's a path some former guerrilla fighters in Colombia are keen to take. Zoe Gelber talked to some demobilised former members of the FARC movement who hope to make a more peaceful living guiding travellers through the rainforests they once fought in. 

And Rob Crossan goes on the trail of the bratwurst in Nuremberg. It seem like just a humble sausage - but it's protected by European legislation, has hundreds of years of history behind it, and is deeply beloved by locals looking for reassurance.

Producer: Polly Hope
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Production Co-Ordinator: Sophie Hill

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