Titiek Puspa: ‘Don’t let money make you stupid or poison you’

“Living legend” is a term that gets thrown around a lot for performers who manage to stick around long enough to see a gushing career tribute. Titiek Puspa, the singer-songwriter who started her career more than half a century ago (no less than president Sukarno chose her stage name when she was starting out in the 1950s), has earned the honor (her recently published biography is titled ‘A Legendary Diva’). The grande dame of Indonesian entertainment, who recently moved to a swank South Jakarta apartment, is a survivor who has come through the 15-minute fame limitation to remain one of the country’s most popular performers.

Childhood ambition?
I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher, because there were a lot of children around and I wanted to help out my parents. I passed the test and had some classes, and the children were always laughing and happy. But I had been taking part in singing contests for a long time, and winning them, and I got to thinking it would be better to entertain more people than just a classroom.
What and who make you laugh?
Lots of things, especially people who talk all over the place in a crazy way. But I laugh easily, and am touched easily. There are lots of clever comedians today. My favorite, though, was Bing Slamet, because he was a great singer, good at everything he did, and was a very good person.
What makes you sad?
Why do people have to talk bad about others? Why don’t we do good for others, do our best. Don’t ask for things, do what you must. I’m 70, nearly 71, and I’m still working, thank God.
Favorite food?
Fresh fruit and vegetables. I’m very careful about what I eat. I can have a free day to eat other things, but it has to be in moderation.
Happiest moment in my life ...
When I had my first grandchild. It was like heaven. Everything smelled great and was in bloom, and the world was shining bright. I couldn’t sleep from being so happy and thinking about that baby.
And darkest ...
When my family is sick and suffering, like my older sibling right now who is ill. And when this country has problems. I remember in 1998 when there was the looting and robberies and rapes, I was so distraught that I was affected physically, I went lame for a time. It was that bad.
Favorite song?
There are so many, including the ones I wrote myself. Songs are my medicine, my vitamins, they make my life better.
Does gossip get to you?
I’ve been gossiped about since way back when. Let them say what they want. I don’t get angry and I never come out and refute the stuff. God sees what I do – it’s between me and Him. But I’m not what they say.
If you could go back in time, what would you change?
I worked from when I was young and often only got to see my family at night. When I had my own family, I made sure to spend time with my children at home. We have the kind of relationship that we can talk about anything together. But I wish that I could have made my own parents happy when they were alive. They were gone by the time I became a success.
What would you do to change the world?
I want every person to have love, a smile and good words for others. It would be a better world with everybody helping each other. Don’t take away others’ rights and hurt them. Remember there is karma.
Your hopes in life in three words?
I want health, peace and welfare.
Dream dinner guests, living or dead?
Too many! If I could, my mother and father, because they taught me good lessons about life, I learned so much from them.
I always have with me ...
Apart from money, makeup, my cell phone and a pen, because I like to jot down things now and then.
Favorite place in the world ...
Indonesia, we have such beauty in this country.
My best trait ...
Which one (laughs)? I always try not to hurt people, to make them happy.
And worst?
Forgetful. I see people, I know their faces but I can’t remember their names.
What have you learned from getting older?
I can say that in my 70s, I have great blessings. I can still stand on my own two feet, I don’t have to ask for anything. I just came back from Paris and Prague, where I also got to perform. And the audience was full of Europeans and they were cheering for our music.
Key to success?
Keep healthy, so you can do the best job possible, be committed and professional.
What does money mean to you?
It fulfills a need, but it’s not everything. Don’t be made stupid or be poisoned by money. Just get enough to live.
How do you want to die?
From way back I’ve left it up to God. When I was nearing 70, I wrote the song Terimakasih Tuhan (Thank you God). I’m resigned to death, whenever it comes.

 
+Bruce Emond
Illustration by Staven Andersen

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