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The Indonesian rocker at the heart of a Nazi uniform Furore fights back at his critics
A rock musician at the centre of a storm over a Nazi uniform he wore in a music video supporting a presidential candidate has criticised German news magazine Der Speigel for its report about him.
Ahmad Dhani, the frontman of the band Dewa 19, was criticised for wearing a copy of the jacket worn by SS leader Heinrich Himmler in a music video promoting presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto.
Der Spiegel said that Dhani’s choice of costume was “more explosive” than his lyrics.
“They never interviewed me. Spiegel is a shoddy online news outlet because they violated journalistic principles,” Dhani was quoted as saying by Detik.com. “So is Time,” he said, referring to US magazine’s story describing the video as “one of the worst pieces of political campaigning ever”.
The video featured Dhani and three finalists of “Indonesian Idol” singing Prabowo’s praises to the tune of the Queen song “We Will Rock You”.
YouTube removed the video for copyright violations after Queen guitarist Brian May said the band did not authorise it.
The one-month campaign ended Saturday for tomorrow’s presidential election, which pits former general Prabowo against Jakarta governor Joko Widodo. The two engaged in a final debate late Saturday, trading barbs about corruption, food security and energy.
Pollsters suggested the race is too close to call, despite overwhelming support for Joko on social media.
Many of Indonesia’s actors, singers and writers have come out in support of Joko, an avowed heavy metal fan.
“It’s not a time to be politically apathetic. Let’s vote for Jokowi,” said Sherina Munaf, a singer who has nearly eight million followers on Twitter.
Prabowo is seen as representing the old guard for his military past and family ties to the rule of dictator Suharto.
Prabowo, who was married to a Suharto daughter, has been accused of human rights abuses, including the kidnappings of pro-democracy activists during the last months of Suharto’s rule in 1998. He has admitted to the kidnappings but said they were necessary to protect the country.
Widodo has been hailed as fresh face in politics untainted by corruption.
