‘I’m most worried for the younger generation’

Debby Sahertian has done a bit of this and that in her entertainment career, from modeling to comedy and hosting TV shows. She also went in another direction by compiling into a dictionary the slang used among the gay community that crossed over into the urban mainstream (the 5th edition of Kamus Gaul was released last December). “I was interested in it because this type of slang is unique, and especially because it is enduring and has continued to add new words since it became known around 1996, while most other types of slang die out after a couple of years,” says Debbie. Now in her mid-40s, she says her mood is relaxed. “If there is work, I take care of it. If I have nothing to do, I like to read, play computer games and log on to Facebook.”

My best trait …
I only know one, and that is I don’t give up easily.

And worst …
Stubborn.

I would never …
Carry a bomb.

Friends describe me as …
That I’m flexible and enjoy socializing. I have lots of friends and like to laugh.

At 20 I was …
Happy, because my career was going well, and I had lots of friends.

The best thing about getting older …
Of course, we have a lot of experience, we can make better choices. And we’re more spiritual and wise.

And worst?
If we don’t have anything to show from our younger years. If we’re lonely.

First thing I think of in the morning …
I thank God I’m still healthy and I can still work. That’s number one.

And last thing at night?
I pray. I’m thankful for the day that I lived. I think of what I’m going to do tomorrow, and what I did today. And I have a chat with my husband.

Illustration by Martin Dima

I’m proud of being Indonesian because …
So many things. Indonesia is a rich country really, our culture, natural resources. Yes, I’m proud to be Indonesian because of our diversity – even our weather is varied. I’m always thinking of what I can do to contribute to this country. Of course, we first must take care of ourselves, and then others and our country.

And the thing that worries me the most …
It’s for the younger generation, and whether they will be able to have the kind of life that I have had. When I was 20, Indonesia was still prosperous, regardless of the system of government at the time, and I could go to school and work safely. For the younger generations, will it be the same? Is the government capable of taking care of everything so they can feel the way I did when I was their age?

I would like to surprise people …
I often think about this … Cher could come back with a gorgeous body when she was more than 50. People would be really shocked if I did that!

I laugh at …
Love and laughter are food and drink to me. Anything can make me laugh. If a problem is too big, and I’m confused, I try to see the funny side of it. The strange thing is that when I’m stressed but have to perform, I am at my funniest. I guess it makes up for the way I feel.

I cry at …
I can’t stand seeing abandoned children, it makes me so sad. Also seeing the victims of the hotel bombings the other day.

My best teacher was …
Books. I learned so much from books. If I have a problem, I look to books to find the solution. Besides that, I discuss the problem with an expert in the field.

The talent I wish I had …
To play the piano, or ballet dancing. When I was a kid, I was told to study the piano, but like most kids, I was lazy and would run and hide when it was time to study. Instead of ballet I went into doing gymnastics, and I was quite good at it. Today I tell my nieces and nephews all the time, “Learn to play the piano.”

My favorite place in the world
Acapulco. I went there once in 1995, I loved the atmosphere and everything about it.

Favorite food?
Ketoprak.

Favorite music?
Jazz and bossa nova.

You know I’m angry when …
I get quiet. If I don’t want to say anything or argue, that means I’m angry. If I’m still speaking, I’m still fine. That means who cares.

I’m most afraid of …
God. For He takes care of everything, plans what is going to happen. Humans are so small in comparison. So we have to be careful in life.

I’m bored by ….
Arguing for too long. And being kept waiting, but that’s usual.

Don’t ever call me …
Hmm? Tante (auntie)!

My motto in life …
I know what I’m doing, and I’m always thankful for who I am and what I am.

My dream dinner guests …
My late father, I was very close to him. I could talk about anything with him. And he taught me to drive when I was 13 years old. And the other would be Bruce Willis. I like him as a tough guy.
 
I lie when …
I come home late. Especially when it comes to work. We say we’ll be back by 9, but it can go on until 1 or 2 in the morning.

Any regrets?
I almost don’t have any. I just go along with life.
 
When I die …
I don’t want to cause bother to a lot of people, so just cremate me and throw my ashes out at sea. I won’t bother my family and friends, and I’ll be everywhere!

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