‘People don’t realize I am quite a shy person’

From his chance start in radio as a presenter, Ferdy Hasan has become the handsome host that TV programs and corporate clients rely on. In this narcissistic era, viewers, thankfully, need not fear any camera-hogging moments, dramatic interludes or grandstanding with him; the 37-year-old father of two stays on message, in both his career and his life.  

My life journey, in short …
I moved around a lot, to the US, Singapore, even New Zealand, and back to Indonesia. I learned a lot of things from that. And when I was back in Indonesia, I heard there was an opening at Prambors, which was one of the leading radio stations at the time. I applied, passed the auditions and tests and it went from there. I felt this was my big opportunity.

The secret to my success …
I focused on being an emcee and learning. I didn’t try to go into film or TV soaps. I looked around me and was willing to accept criticism in going forward.

The most surprising part of my life …
That things have turned out like this, from radio to being an emcee and host. Because I’m a shy person and quite insecure. But by examining the people around me, through practice and the support of others, everything is possible.

What people don’t know about me …
I appear quite formal in my work, because we have to meet the expectations of our clients. But I’m actually very relaxed and enjoy joking.

I would never …
Everything is possible. But I would never disappoint or abandon the people I love.

My favorite place …
Bali is always one of my favorites. I can do so many things there, from going out with my family, my wife, friends. The atmosphere and people are so different from any other place.

The talent I wish I had …
I always wanted to be a basketball player. I used to play at junior high school in America, I won some awards, and later at school in San Francisco, but when I came back here I didn’t play as regularly as before.

I can’t stand …
Waiting. In whatever way, for an answer, for people. It’s tough for me.

If I could change one thing about myself …
Uhm. I would like a more ideal body, slimmer, healthier. But this is what I have.

My best trait …
I can accept everything. If I like something, or I don’t like something, I’m straightforward about it. It’s hard for an Indonesian to be frank. I think it’s better to be direct than talk behind peoples’ backs. .

And worst …
Sometimes I’m lazy and too relaxed.

Favorite food  
Fried rice and satay.

And film …
Jerry McGuire. It’s about the ups and downs we face in achieving what we want in life, but the other message is that we must pay attention to the people around us. Success is about managing our time for ourselves, our loved ones and for the future.  

My happiest moment …
When I found out that I had my children.

Forgive or forget …
Forgive. Of course, there are things that hurt us. But what is more important is how we look forward.

I’m very bad at …
Actually, IT-related things, applications. I don’t really keep up with it, but I get a lot of information, there are people who help me and I want to learn.

Worst interviews …
It’s a tough one.. Because everything has gone well, and I’ve learned from my experiences. It’s just like learning to ride a bike. Sure, you get guests who are uncooperative or nervous, that’s part of doing the job. You just have to work through it. When I interviewed Alanis Morissette, she was tired, so I had to understand that. We didn’t talk about her tour or her music, but about her collection of nail polish and the many colors she liked. We can have a whole lot of questions ready, but sometimes we have to take a different angle.

The most Indonesian thing about me …
There’s a saying that we get sleepy after a meal. That’s really me.

My hope for the country …
So many things. There is a lot of homework for this country and for us as its citizens. Improving its infrastructure and development. As a big country with a huge population we need to do that.

My biggest personal fear …
Snakes. They really scare me.

And for the world ..
With all the natural disasters happening around us, I think we need to take better care of the ecosystem. Because it’s hard to predict nature, and it’s merciless. In my own life, I dispose of garbage properly, do my best to preserve the environment around me, simple things.

Regrets ..
None. What I have is amazing, a real blessing.

My life motto …
Just go with the flow.

+ Bruce Emond
Illustration by Martin Dima

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