K.G.P.A.A. Mangkunegara X, more commonly addressed as Gusti Bhre, has emerged as a potential new leader in Solo since his coronation in 2022.

His leadership has been marked by a modern and youthful approach, proven particularly in his successful rebranding of Pura Mangkunegaran into a vibrant youth hangout spot.

This transformation has not only revitalized the cultural site but also made it a trendy destination for the younger generation, blending heritage with contemporary appeal.

Gusti Bhre’s influence extends beyond cultural revitalization; he has also made significant strides in the political arena.

His close connections with prominent political figures, such as Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka and former presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo, highlight his growing influence and the strategic alliances he formed. These relationships indicate his potential role in shaping the future political landscape of Solo.

A Key Authentic Leader

A key element of Gusti Bhre’s rising prominence is his adept use of social media, TikTok in particular. His team has masterfully utilized the platform to craft and disseminate his public image, capitalizing on his good looks and charismatic personality.

By sharing updates about his daily life through multiple accounts that appear to be personal fan pages, they have created a sense of authenticity and relatability. This strategy of soft selling has resonated with the TikTok audience, making Gusti Bhre a viral sensation.

Authenticity has proven to be a key factor in successful marketing strategies. For instance, when the government invited numerous Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) or influencers to the new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), the initiative backfired.

Instead of generating positive publicity or persuading netizens about IKN, the campaign received backlash. The younger generations, like Gen-Z and Neo Alpha, perceived this type of publication as fake, staged, and too gimmicky. They prefer a more authentic approach.

At Youthlab, we refer to this authentic strategy as KAL, or Key Authentic Leader. Authenticity has become a powerful tool for shaping public opinion, demonstrating that genuine, relatable content is more effective than contrived promotions.

Candid Connection: A Relatable Approach

Instead of connecting with the youth through mainstream or traditional events, Gusti Bhre has employed a more relatable approach that resonates with Gen-Z and Neo Alpha.

He engages with them through the trendy and casual medium of photobox sessions, where he accepts fans’ requests to take photobox pictures in Solo. This innovative form of interaction has created a fresh and appealing way to connect with the younger generation.

This engagement strategy has significantly influenced the perception of Gusti Bhre as a leader. By participating in photobox sessions, he presents himself as approachable and down-to-earth, breaking down the barriers typically associated with political figures.

This approachability shapes the way people view political leaders, portraying them as individuals who are willing to listen to the voices and concerns of their citizens.

Furthermore, this method highlights the importance of relatability in modern leadership. By engaging in activities youth enjoy and are meaningful, Gusti Bhre demonstrates a genuine interest in their world.

This not only builds a stronger connection but also fosters trust and support from the younger demographic. It showcases how political leaders can bridge the gap between traditional leadership roles and contemporary youth culture, creating a more inclusive and responsive political environment.

Cultural Confluence: Bridging Generation Gap through Formal Events

Maintaining formal media and public relations approaches is essential for anyone aspiring to be a political leader. Gusti Bhre understands it well and has actively hosted several cultural and educational events in Solo to establish his credibility and connect with a broader audience.

One notable example is his role as host for the event “Sudamala: An Epilog of Calonarang,” a theatrical performance initiated by renowned actors Nicholas Saputra and Happy Salma.

This event, supported by prominent companies like Bank Mandiri and KataData, attracted significant attention and showcased Gusti Bhre’s commitment to cultural enrichment and education.

By consistently maintaining a formal and dignified appearance at such events, Gusti Bhre effectively bridged the generational gap. His involvement in high-profile cultural activities appeals to the older generation, who value tradition and formal leadership qualities.

At the same time, his presence at these events complements his more casual and relatable engagement strategies with the youth, such as the photobox sessions.

This balanced approach allows Gusti Bhre to build a multifaceted public image. He demonstrates that he is a leader who respects and upholds cultural traditions and values, thereby earning the trust and respect of the older generation.

Simultaneously, his innovative and approachable methods resonate with the younger demographic, making him a well-rounded and relatable figure to all age groups.

By integrating both formal and informal engagement strategies, Gusti Bhre showcases his versatility and adaptability as a leader. This dual approach not only broadens his appeal but also solidifies his position as a dynamic and inclusive leader capable of connecting with diverse segments of the population.

Reimagine Leadership

Gusti Bhre’s approach on TikTok is particularly noteworthy. It represents a blend of modern digital marketing techniques with traditional leadership roles, showcasing how contemporary leaders can engage with the public in innovative ways.

The use of seemingly personal fan accounts adds a layer of grassroots support, enhancing his relatability and appeal. This method not only promotes his image but also fosters a community of supporters who feel personally connected to his daily life and endeavors.

Beyond the digital realm, Gusti Bhre’s active participation in significant cultural and educational events further solidifies his leadership.

His involvement in esteemed activities like “Sudamala: An Epilog of Calonarang” highlights his commitment to cultural enrichment and education, allowing him to connect with older generations who value tradition and formal leadership.

Gusti Bhre’s dual approach—engaging with the youth through relatable, digital interactions while honoring traditional values through formal events—showcases his versatility as a leader.

This balanced strategy not only broadens his appeal but also solidifies his position as a dynamic and inclusive leader capable of connecting with diverse segments of the population.