The term “ gemoy ”, often used to describe something adorable or endearing, has been co-opted by the Prabowo camp in a calculated move to soften the image of a candidate otherwise known for ...

They say they are also reassured by his close links to hugely popular Widodo, whose son is Prabowo’s vice presidential pick. Voters believe he is more gemoy and less fiery than as a younger man.

But now, Prabowo Subianto, one of Soeharto’s most feared generals and his former son-in-law, looks set to become the Southeast Asian country’s next president.

Prabowo’s rebranding as a dancing grandpa, along with the backing of his former foe and current president Joko Widodo, have taken him to the cusp of the presidency after a long quest.