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The village influencer - 17th September 2021

A motor mechanic, in Indonesia, has helped rocket a poor farming community to internet fame.

Siswanto, a 38 year old struggling motor mechanic, watched a TV show about an Indonesian influencer who made a fortune through online videos. Siswanto thought he'd try doing the same with his comedy routines, but no one tuned in.

One day, while trying to repair an expensive motorbike, he saw an online tutorial and had a sudden realisation. The video was far too complicated, but Siswanto saw a gap in the market for easy to follow fix it videos.

Siswanto had to upgrade his mobile for one with a decent camera then started filming non-stop. Within a few years, he hit two million followers on YouTube and now has a small team helping him with his videos and editing.

His booming business drew plenty of attention in the village and rumours started swirling around about where his sudden wealth had come from. So Siswanto called a town meeting to explain about YouTube and chose a small group of villagers to train up as YouTubers.

Siswanto: "Because not everyone has the passion to be a YouTuber, so I picked 33 people whom I've trained intensively. In six months, they can make money because they have successfully monetised their YouTube channels."

His neighbours in Kasegeran now film everything from outdoor cookery to traditional farming techniques.

Siswanto has found fame and fortune not just for himself but also for his village.

Siswanto: "This has brought a better economy, which was never expected by the local government or the elders. I hope future generations will remain comfortable living in Kasegeran because it no longer holds the title as 'the poorest village'."