J

em>JP/Indah SetiawatiMusic is an intrinsic part of

Dewi Gontha’s life, professionally and personally.

The president director of Java Festival Production is busy preparing for the three-day Java Soulnation festival in September, presenting various genres to pamper Jakarta’s music lovers.

Born in Leidschendam, the Netherlands, Dewi Allice Lydia Gontha, the daughter of businessman Peter F. Gontha, says that she dedicates her free time for her two boys, 9 and 11-years-old.

“In my leisure time, I take my kids out and listen to more music. That’s what I do on weekends. I go out for meals and travel if I have time. I try outdoor activities.

“I am easy in eating: anything that is Asian is good for me. And I don’t cook, that is why I eat out.

“My favorite Japanese place to eat today is Esina in Plaza Senayan [shopping mall in Central Jakarta]. They have the best meat, I think. But any Japanese restaurant in Blok M in South Jakarta is also very good. They keep to traditional styles of cooking.

“Reading is not my thing. I am not really a reader. I don’t really read books. I read comics when I was younger. I really don’t like books. I read online and read what I need to read related to the [music] industry and watch the news about what’s happening today.

“The best place for a weekend gateway for my family is Bali because my kids like it. Last time, we went to Pelabuhan Ratu [in West Java] to visit Sawarna village. That was a new experience for me. There was only the beach to enjoy, but it was really nice. We try to see new places and enjoy new things.

“I don’t have ‘me’ time. I spend so much time at work that when I go home I spend my free time with my kids. ‘Me’ time is not an option for me. My kids are my priority in my free time.”

— Indah Setiawati