Five Books | The Best of Contemporary Indonesian Literature | April, 2019 | Cal Flyn

Is it a good time to be a writer in Indonesia?

It is. Many things still need to be done in terms of our book industry ecosystem, but looking back on how things were in the past—let’s say, compared to 2001when I published my first book—the situation is much better now. We now have prosperous authors who can truly rely on writing as their main profession. We have more book shops, more publishers, more online libraries, more literary festivals, more platforms to promote our works. Literary power and importance are something that public and government are more aware of.

Indonesian literature is not very well known in the English-speaking world. Why do you think that is? Do you think that is changing?

I think there hasn’t been a real roadmap and priority to use literary as our nation’s ambassador to the world. All this time, we had worked a lot more on our tourism. Literature was below on the list compared to culinary, fashion, and goods. That also reflects on the dwarf size of our book industry in the Indonesia’s creative economy. Translation is an art that cannot be rushed. And once a translation is done, you still need many more efforts just to catch the attention from the international readers and publishers. You don’t need to translate a dish, everything speaks for itself. But, in literature, language is the bridge, and we didn’t have enough translators nor did we have an exact plan on how to support the growth and quality of our writers and translators. But, I’m optimist that a change is in the making. Ever since 2015 when Indonesia became the Guest of Honour in Frankfurt Book Fair, I felt our book industry had a jolt of fresh spirit. The echo still continues to London Book Fair. In the past four years, I was involved and invited to speak to the ministers on at least three big book-related discourses: royalty tax, book tax, and book piracy. I even had a chance to voice out these concerns directly to the president. It’s something that was unthinkable before. Of course, the government’s and the book committee’s effort are not immune to criticism. But, nobody can deny that there’s a change going on.

You were a very successful singer-songwriter – what prompted you to move into writing fiction?

I always loved story telling since I was small. I attempted to write my first novel when I was 9 years old. I sent short stories to magazines when I was teenager. Of course, not all of those attempts were successful, most of them actually failed, but I couldn’t stop writing. During my singing career, I used my savings to buy a laptop. It was an unusual for a college student at that time to own a laptop. I took my laptop everywhere so I could write in between gigs. I remembered when I was nine years old, I this fantasy that someday I will see my book sold in a book store. So, when I finished my Supernova manuscript in September 2000, I thought “this is it. This will be my first book.” I finally self-publish my book in 2001 to celebrate my 25^th birthday. I didn’t care if it sells or not, I didn’t even know how to sell books, I just wanted to fulfil my dream. It turned out to be a huge success. 7.000 copies sold in two weeks. It was beyond the best-selling standard in Indonesia at that time. And since Supernova was designed to be a series, I continued writing the instalments year after year. Writing then slowly took over my career. I didn’t have much time to focus on my music anymore. But, since I have been doing my music career for over than ten years already, I didn’t miss it that much. I enjoyed writing a lot more because it’s more solitary, less fuss, and less need for make-up, hairdos, and high heels. 

What is the first book you would like to recommend? Why?

Suddenly The Night, a poetry book from a prominent Indonesian poet, Sapardi Djoko Damono. Sapardi’s poems was very influential in my early introduction to literature. It taught a lot me about perusing nature as a source of metaphors. 

What is the second book you would like to recommend? Why?

Saman by Ayu Utami. The book came out at the right timing, right after the collapse of the New Order regime. The story broke many barriers of various taboos and sensitive topics, including the rise of women authors. To me, Saman was a mark of a new era in literature.

What is the third book you would like to recommend? Why?

Man Tiger by Eka Kurniawan. It depicts familiar facets of Indonesia, and yet those facets can be totally unique for the international audience. Eka’s writing has a distinct, masculine voice. I admire his seriousness in crafting his story.  

What is the fourth book you would like to recommend? Why?

Raden Mandasia by Yusi Avianto Pareanom. With ancient Indonesia as its setting, fueled with Yusi’s explosive—verging to chaotic, unapologetic, humorous style of writing, I’m interested to see if this book would get translated. I think Raden Mandasia will be an interesting and refreshing window to peek into the richness of Indonesian literature. 

What is the fifth book you would like to recommend? Why?

Kill the Radio by Dorothea Rosa Herliany. She’s one of the most prominent Indonesian female poets. I like the way Harry Aveling, the translator of this book, worked with Dorothea’s original poems. There was a debate about this. Some say Aveling took it too far, but some say what Aveling did was a “transliteration”. Instead of merely translating, Harry was giving another breath into Dorothea’s poems. And, I enjoy the result.

Wawancara Tugas Sekolah | Teknik Menulis | Feb, 2019 | Angie

1.     How do you set an atmosphere/tone throughout your work?

A tone can be based on many factors. For instance, it can follow the protagonist’s personality (is she/he cheerful, or rather gloomy). It can also follow the genre; if it’s a romantic story, then a writer can choose a rather romantic and artistic tone, and it can be reflected on the setting, the places, the events where scenes are taking place, etc. It can also be more than one, like a flow that changes as the storyline develops, i.e from gloomy to a bright/optimistic tone.

2.     How do you make sure you are engaging with the reader?

We won’t know for sure until our work reaches the readers. In the process, the only person I can count on is myself. So, as I write my story, I need to be as excited and as engaged as I want my readers to be. If it’s a funny scene, I need to make it’s funny to me as well. I need to laugh at my own funny scene, otherwise it probably won’t work for others either. I need to be in love with my characters, as I’d imagine my writers would be. So, make sure your writing is interesting for yourself first.

3.     How do you overcome writer’s block and get in the right state of mind to write?

Based on my experience, writer’s block mostly comes from technical issues. Sometimes we need to get technical to fix it. We need to fix the character, to fix the outline, to fix the plot, etc. The problem is, many beginner writers don’t like dealing with those issues. Hence, the writer’s block phenomenon is misunderstood as “lack of ideas”, or “lack of imagination”. Most of the time it’s not the idea or imagination that’s need to be fixed, it’s the writing. My best antidote for writer’s block is deadline. If you set a deadline and determined to accomplish it, you’ll find ways to overcome your difficulties. Just show commitment to your writing, set aside a dedicated time to work on it, daily. May it be thirty minutes or one hour. But, show up everytime.

4.     Do you have any other tips you could give me about writing in general?

For beginner writers, what you need to strive for is to finish whatever it is that you’re writing. Many people give up before they reach the end, therefore they never know the real struggle during the creative process. Once they can finish a writing, they will get more familiar with the whole process, and will have more courage and confidence to start another one. Practice a lot. Don’t worry about not being good enough. Once you’re familiar with finishing creative work and what it takes, strive for a better technique. Learn by reading good books, by reading books on writing techniques, attend seminars and workshops if you have to. But, find out what it takes to produce a more quality writing. Writing is a skill that takes a lifetime to learn. And that is good thing. It means there’s always a room for improvement, no matter what stage you are at in the given moment.

London Book Fair | Author's Q&A | Feb, 2019 | Flint Public Relations

The first book I fell in love with:

Charlotte’s Web by E.B White.

I read it when I was around 11 year old. I was at awe on how the story was so neatly structured. Of course, at that time I didn’t know anything about story structure. But I could already appreciate how the characters were designed in such ways that they all were interesting—even the less likeable ones; on how the challenge was kept on escalating; and on how the ending was put so beautifully yet heartbreaking. It was the most intricate story I came across at that time.

The author that most heavily influenced my writing:

I cannot name one. I think I took a little bit of this and that from a lot of authors. But, I can tell that my fondness for writing series was influenced by serial books I read when I was a child, like Enid Blyton’s books, and shojo manga from authors such as Yoko Shoji and Suzue Miuchi. 

The author (dead or alive) I'd most like to meet:

I would love to meet Yuval Noah Harari over coffee, just to pick his brain. I was so fascinated with his books and the way he composed his writings. On the side note, I also I wish I could meet Suzue Miuchi who wrote The Glass Mask from 1975 and has not finished the series until now. I read The Glass Mask when I was in highschool in the 90’s. Now that I become an author myself, I feel it’s very devastating to the readers to leave your story unfinished like that. I want to ask her: why? Why she didn’t finish her story for so long? I’d like to offer her some help to finish The Glass Mask in any way I can.  

Access Magazine | Tax & Royalty | Sept, 2017 | Satya Wacana

What is your reason for becoming a writer? Do you think that some writers may have the same reason at the first they start this field? Why?

As long as I remember, I always have a strong inclination towards story crafting. I enjoyed the sensation of being carried away by a story, and I’d like to do the same to others. So, basically it’s been a hobby since I was a child. I guess many writers felt the same passion early on.

Back then, there were some issues regarding to the regulation of royalty payment and the tax. I believe you as one of the experienced writers, you do know exactly what the problems are. In short explanation, what is the real problem that the writers (in this case Indonesian writers) have to struggle with?

In general, it’s not that easy to be a writer as a sole profession. Only the best-selling books can generate enough significant income to provide a living, and only a handful writers can be the best-selling ones. The issue with tax is, our taxation system doesn’t reflect its full understanding yet on the productivity cycle and the income pattern of a writer. We’re in the same category with artists, while how we generate income is far different. Royalties are considered passive income, while in reality writers need to actively create and promote their works.

Based on the 2 notes that you wrote and published on your Facebook page (attached), you are aware about the dilemma of Indonesian writers. But then, as you are now, you are successful in this field and known by most of the writers in Indonesia. Had you went through the problem too (as stated in the 2^nd question) or do you still struggle with it until now? How do you overcome it?

I started out my writer career by doing self-publishing. And, lucky enough, the sales of my book was very good at that time. Writing was also not my sole profession because I was already a professional singer first. I had challenges in managing self publishing, but I didn’t struggle financially. To overcome it, I decided to work together with a publisher on my second book. Therefore, I could focus on the creative aspect of my work and let others handle the business aspect. But of course, my situation may not apply to all writers. In my article, I pointed the general situations with writers in Indonesia.

Talking about the process of publishing a book, can you share your experience about it?  Was there any problem in the process? If there was, what was it? Do you have any idea how to solve similar problems in the future?

If you go to a publisher, then you need to have a strong manuscript. The story must be relatable. More polished is better, because the editor can gauge our writing ability and maturity from how we prepare our manuscript. You also need to find the right publisher. Don’t go with a nonfiction manuscript to a publisher that mostly publish fictions, for instance. So, know your own book and know which door to knock. If you’re doing self- publishing, then of course you will need capital to do it. You’ll need to do all the tasks that a publisher usually does, which include distribution planning, promotion planning, sales planning, etc. Both has its own advantage and challenge.

If the government still ignores the unsolved problem, do you think it will impact the next generation of Indonesian writers? How so?

I think, writing as a profession will remain a secondary job for most. We’ll have only few dedicated writers, thus a slow growth in literacy outcomes. Eliminating the PPN from all books and giving the right tax treatments for writers will be a great stimulus for Indonesian literacy.

What about the readers? Will it (refers to previous question) brings effects to the interest in reading of Indonesian?

Eliminating PPN from all books will make books become more affordable to people. Readers may also enjoy more various themes and increasing numbers of books from more writers.

While waiting for the government to make a move and take actions to the matters of Indonesian writers problems, what do you suggest or any advises for to-be writers out there, that have plan to publish their masterpiece?

We all should be doing what we love. Tax is one thing, and there are rooms to improve on that matter. But, however the situation is, we should always keep writing our hearts out, do what we love best.

Is there any additional advice for the writers in Indonesia that might be considered as an important thing to be prepared before and after they send their manuscript to publisher?

Writing is like a muscle. You need to use it a lot to grow stronger, to know yourself better. If you want to become a professional writer, you should perceive yourself like an athlete going for a race. You need to train. Learn as much as you can about writing, from books, workshops, and most importantly, from trying it often. There’s no shortcut to writing. It’s  skill that needs a lifetime to master.

The Jakarta Globe | Frankfurt Book Fair | November, 2014 | by Jaime Adams

What were your impressions from Frankfurt Book Fair 2014?

It was bigger than I expected. I’ve heard about FBF as one of the biggest book fairs in the world, but to actually be there and saw the size of the event was an entirely different experience. When I saw the Guest of Honor building I immediately imagined how it would be like if it was the Indonesian flag, Indonesian sign, and Indonesian books presented there. It was thrilling.

How did you experience the symbolic handover ceremony, where Indonesia was officially named Guest of Honour country for next year?

It was touching. We all could see how emotional it was for Finland, knowing how hard they have prepared and their volumes of work for being the Guest of Honor in 2014. The stark contrast between the cool Finland and hot Indonesia was also very interesting. It was like we were taken to travel to another side of the globe and experience the colorful world of culture and literature. I was more than proud to be one of delegates, introducing Indonesia the best way I could, from the talk to the ikat dress I wore from Ikat Indonesia. I know it was a literature event, but at that moment it really felt it was way more than that. It’s cultural. Book became a meeting point where people from all over the world meet and be in touched with the beauty of diversity.

You traveled to Berlin afterwards to have a reading at Dussmann. Could you share with me how the event went? Who were the people in the crowd, did you think there was much interest in you/ Indonesian literature in general?

First of all, I’m so impressed with Berlin. I found the city was very charming. And Dussmann has the perfect venue for writer’s event. That night, we had Berlin locals and Indonesians, including the ambassador Mr. Fauzi Bowo. The talk was lively with many interesting questions from the audience. We talked about the literature scene in Indonesia; the challenges and also the new hope. We also talked about the importance of Indonesia’s creative economy; its future and potential. We now have a new government and how the timing coincided with Frankfurt Book Fair 2015 nevertheless brought a new energy to our book industry, I hope we can seize the moment and use it as a momentum to bring Indonesian literature to a new level and recognition.

When you came back, you immediately published your new novel, and I see that it has created quite some buzz; even though you are a "seasoned" writer, do you still get very excited when publishing a new book, and seeing the reactions of your readers?

For me, each book is different. Even though my new book, Gelombang (The Wave) is a part of Supernova series, I still feel each episode carried a new spirit and created different dynamic with the readers. So, it always got me excited. The first Supernova episode came out almost 14 years ago, but with each episode, the series keep attracting first time readers. So, it’s always got me excited. Each episode always feels like a first book for me.

How do you personally prepare for next year's Frankfurt Book Fair? What remains to be done?

So many things to be done. After I’m done with my new book promotion,  I’ll be working closely with my publisher to prepare the translations for my books. I’m pretty sure Indonesia can bring out solid cultural shows and performances for FBF ’15. I’m still concerned on the massive book translations Indonesia has to prepare, considering how short the time we have. I think that is our biggest homework.

The Jakarta Globe | Frankfurt Book Fair | September, 2014 | by Jaime Adams

Indonesia will be Guest of Honor country at next year's Frankfurt Book Fair. You will already travel to Germany this year to attend the handover ceremony at the end of the fair, when Indonesia will officially take over from this year's GoH country Finland. What exactly will your role be, and how did you end up being chosen for it?

My role will be as a Indonesia’s to receive the scroll from Finland, a symbolic gesture to acknowledge the honor of being the next GoH in Frankfurt Book Fair. There will be a short conversation between me and the Finland’s representative afterwards on stage. I think it was Goenawan Mohamad and the National Committee who chose me for the handover ceremony. Although I’m sure they would know their reason better than I do, I think I was chosen because of my experience in some international literary events before. They would also want someone who can represent Indonesia’s book industry and I’ve been a published writer for 13 years now, so I can say a thing or two about the situation of our book industry.

Besides the handover ceremony, what other Indonesia-related events at Frankfurt Book Fair will you attend?

I will have a session with Slamet Rahardjo where we will be talking about Indonesia cinemas. The session will begin with Rectoverso movie screening. Rectoverso is the movie adapted from my short story collections and had won several awards in Indonesia and Asia.

Besides Frankfurt Book Fair, what else is on the agenda for your Germany trip?

I will give a talk at Dussman, Berlin, on Oct 14. I was told it was a very prestigious venue for writers. I’m truly honored.

Looking ahead to next year, how important do you think it is for Indonesia to be the GoH country at Frankfurt Book Fair?

Basically, all eyes will be on Indonesia. Frankfurt Book Fair is the biggest book event in the world. I heard many complaints about how unrecognizable Indonesia literature is on the international level, only few names were ever heard of, like Pramoedya Ananta Toer and recently Andrea Hirata, and that situation has been stagnant for a long time. There hasn’t been a real breakthrough in introducing Indonesia literature to the world market. Being the GoH of Frankfurt Book Fair is a golden chance for Indonesia. But I’m worried our government is not realizing it. I don’t even think most people are aware of the importance of this event. Our role in Frankfurt Book Fair 2015 has to be promoted on national scale, because not only the book industry will benefit from it, but also our creative economy industry. It should perceived as a huge cultural event and opportunity. We need to showcase our country and culture as optimally as we can.

What do you think are the necessary steps to be taken in order to make next year's fair a successful one?

Our preparation for Frankfurt Book Fair is extremely short. The government is also being very slow and rather vague on their support. I heard the term for translation funding is rather impossible, they give one month deadline to finish the whole translation. Everybody with the right mind knows there cannot be a good translation work done in only one month, not to mention the scarcity of good translators out there. So, it’s a deadlock. We need to take the initiative. Everybody’s involved in the book industry has to socialize and promote Frankfurt Book Fair to the mass. It’s a golden opportunity which should be celebrated by our creative industry. We don’t only display books, we can display our culinary treasure, our dance, our culture, our music, and share those beauties to the world. If the government is holding back their support, for whatever reason, then we must actively work outside of that frame.

Will you be able present your own books in German as well? Have you found a German publisher that shows interest in your novels?

It’s a tricky situation. I wrote eight books, but only one book has an English translation. Some writers with dozens of books may not even have a single English translation. All this time, we never really pay attention to the importance of translation. Therefore, being the Guest of Honor of Frankfurt Book Fair is a like huge slap on our face. It’s either a blessing or a curse. There won’t be enough time to translate a whole book in significant quantity. So, basically we can only translate synopsis into English or German and try to sell the rights to international publishers. The trade will only start this October, so we’ll see.

Currently, there is a new "challenge" making its rounds in social media circles, where people can nominate their friends to compile a list of books that have inspired them the most. What books would make it to your list?

I think it will be interesting to introduce the work like Es Tito’s Negeri Kelima (The Fifth Country). The book packages Indonesia’s history in a popular, fast-paced, story telling. Something we don’t see so often in the market.

Are you working on a new book at the moment?

Yes. I just finished the fifth installment of my Supernova series, called Gelombang. It’ll be out in bookstores on Oct 17. I will start writing the final book immediately afterward.

Are there any other outlets you ever wanted to try to unleash your creativity, like film, theater or art?

Aside of writing books, I still involve in the music industry, although mostly now as a songwriter and not into stage performance so much. I partly invole in movies too. I wrote my first screenplay Perahu Kertas two years ago. But since I want to focus in finishing my Supernova series, I can’t afford to get involve in any other creative projects, at least for another one or two years. I’m seriously planning to write a cook book, though.

You are a mother, a wife, a writer, a singer and a songwriter. Don't you ever feel tired? :)

Those roles can be overwhelming, indeed. Ha-ha! It’s like a juggling game, day in day out. Everyday I learn to set my priorities straight, to work more efficiently and effectively. My office is practically at home, and I still have daily household chores and a family to take care of. So, I’m very stingy of my time. I say no to most meetings. I live in suburb (Tangerang Selatan), and it’ll cost me a whole day for an hour meeting in Jakarta. Regarding my work, I rely on e-mail and phone communications. To finish my latest book, I need to wake up before everybody else at home, so I still have that silence and uninterrupted moment. For months, I woke up at four AM and wrote for two-three hours straight. I declined most talkshow and teve invitations for almost a year. At first I was shaky because I felt like I was missing out opportunities, but I gradually learn to see what really matters. I can’t stress more of how important it is to see the distinction. Sometimes we’re just busy without being truly productive.

The Jakarta Post | 2013 New Year Resolution | Desember, 2012 | by Indah Setiawati

What is your NY resolution for 2013, both for your career and personal life? Please elaborate details.

My main target is to release another Supernova series, which is titled Gelombang. Since I just moved into a new house this mid-December, I think I'll still be busy arranging and settling into the new house until January next year. It'll be great if I can start working in February. 

What do you plan to do to achieve them?

As usual, I'll start with research, and research. That usually includes huge volumes of reading material, mapping down details, and lots of pondering. I'll be cutting down public activities as best as I can so I can maximize my time working at home. 

Do you think it's important to have NY resolution?

Back in my 20's, it felt important. Now, I simply see them as to-do-list. Having resolution is nice, but now I lead my life with simpler approach. Whatever comes, I deal with it. The rest, I just try enjoying life with curiosity and playfulness. 

Do you have any resolution from last year that you don't yet accomplish this year? What is it? What is your plan for it -- are you going to add it up to your NY resolution for next year?

That's the thing. Since I don't actually have resolution last year, I couldn't really measure. But, I remember I wanted to take swimming lesson, and yet I couldn't make it happen because the new house building process was really absorbing and taking most of my focus. So, yes, maybe a swimming lesson this year. And, yes, I cannot swim. YET. Will get there in time. 

What is your biggest regret this year?

I cannot remember. I don't think I hold any major regrets. Small ones, perhaps. But they're too insignificant for me to hold onto. 

Last question, what is your biggest hope for the year to come -- personally and in general?

Personally, writing more books. In general, I wish humanity would find better ways to live without torturing this planet. We've taken so much from Mother Earth and other living beings for things and lifestyle we don't essentially need. This kind of living has to change.

Snapshot Questions | Profil | November, 2005

How would you describe your personality?

I was designed to be an ‘in-between’ person, my zodiac is Aquarius-Capricorn, my shio is Dragon-Rabbit, so my personality is created by the tension between the two polars, and my struggle in life is to maintain the balance between two different (sometimes opposite) groups of characteristics. Really, there’s no easier way to explain it.

What quality do you most like about yourself?

I guess it’s my humor side. At the end of the day, I’ve always managed to laugh at things, even on what should be very, very shitty. I just love to laugh so much. It’s an elemental privilege of being a human.

What quality do you most dislike about yourself?

My forgetfulness and my weak ability to say ‘no’.

What qualities do you admire in others?

Which others? People in general? Or you mean a quality that I wish I had? I must say, I envy those who can say ‘no’ easily. And those who manage to travel around the globe just for the sake of it. 

What do you consider would be your greatest achievement?

To be enlightened.

What do you consider would be your greatest failure?

To forget who I truly am, and forget who others truly are. To forget that we are one and inseparable.

When and where were you happiest?

When I’m among those who can make me laugh. Doesn’t matter where.

When and where were you unhappiest?

When I see so many violence in the name of stupidity and fear. Doesn’t matter where.

How good are you at managing your money?

Quite good. I always managed to safe up money ever since I was financially independent.

What was your greatest extravagance?

To be able to make my hobbies as my professions. On this matter, I must say I’m truly blessed.  

Apart from Indonesia, where would you like to live?

Can’t really tell. I don’t think I’ve seen the world enough to make a judgement. But they say Vancouver is one of the nicest and safest places to live, San Fransisco also might be interesting.

Where would you not like to live?

Errr. Can’t really tell either. But I wouldn’t go to any war spot in the world for sure.

What is the best thing that ever happened to you?

Having a baby, for sure. Never felt so much in love. It’s a totally incomparable experience.

What is the worst thing that ever happened to you?

To lose a friend.

What makes you laugh?

Jokes, sitcoms, movies, funny faces, witty conversations, Kariage Kun, 2 glasses of beer, my husband, my baby, my friends, my quirky family… so many  other things I couldn’t possibly mention. In short, it’s easy to make me laugh.

What makes you cry?

Songs, movies – esp scenes where the animals get killed, heart breaks, break-ups, Japanese drama comics e.g. Candy-Candy book 7, too much laugh, beauty of nature… and so many other things I couldn’t possible mention. But in short, it’s still easier to make me laugh than cry.

What is the most courageous thing you ever did?

I’m so afraid of cokcroach. But once, I succesfully hit it with a sandal. That was a milestone in my personal history. And I’ve never repeated it up to this day.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

When I was 7 years old, I was in this running competition wearing a pair of loafer. The shoes slipped right off my feet just when I was about to jump start. The whole school laughed. I hated the sport class ever since, up until high school. I never attended any.

Who are your heroes?

I’m not a hero type of person. Not so much into idol as well. But I do admire Sarah McLachlan, and she’s my barometer in music. I also admire Stephen King who’s able to write so many books while I nearly strangled myself to finish 6 books of Supernova series. I also admire Diane Warren who managed to write thousands of songs while I consider myself lucky to be able to write two songs in one whole year. 

Which famous person would you most like to meet?

Roland Orzabal – from Tears for Fears. I actually bumped into him in Friendster. But I doubt it was the real person. 

What is your favourite book?

Too many to mention. But as far as I recall, Neale Donald Walsch -- Conversation of God Book 2 has the greatest impact in my life.

What is your favourite record?

Tears for Fears “Tears Roll Down”. Sarah McLachlan “Surfacing”.

What is your favourite movie?

The Matrix.

What is your favourite food?

Indonesian and Thai food.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

I used to be clueless when I was asked about who had influenced me the most. Like I said, I’m a community type of person, not hero or idol base. But after years of contemplating, I have to say it’s my family, my siblings. They are the one who mold and shape me to be who I am today. They are the quirkiest and coolest family one can ever have. I am so lucky. 

What is your main career ambition?

To have a global audience, either for my music or for my books.

What is your main personal ambition?

To lead a fulfilling, peaceful, and healthy life.