G-20 Role for 27-Year-Old Indonesia Singer Sparks Criticism
- Singer without economic experience named as G-20 spokesperson
- Young Indonesians grapple with high unemployment, rising costs
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Indonesia’s decision to name a pop star as its Group of 20 spokesperson is the latest move in what some analysts say is a series of vanity appointments the government is making as part of a bid to connect with a 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.