The former journalist and figure behind the country’s press freedom movement during the New Order is publishing at least 12 books and preparing four performances to mark the seven decades of his life.

It is amazing to see that the man is still capable of doing so much. GM seems to be on a life mission to prove that age is not an issue for him.

GM, who was born on July 29, 1941, recalled the time when people underestimated him for his involvement in so many things at a young age, including literature and journalism.

He started writing at the age of 17 and was the founder and editor-in-chief of Tempo magazine, which made him a journalistic legend at the age of 30.

Now, many have suggested he retire, but GM rejects the suggestion.

“Age is not our fault,” the poet said of his lifetime struggle with age discrimination.

Age is a tricky game, however, so much so that even a man as big as GM can’t avoid denying it.

He recently said during an exhibition to commemorate his 70th birthday that he felt embarrassed being old.

“I wish I was still 27,” he said, followed by a roar of laughter from friends who attended the opening ceremony.

But when one meets the man in person, it is obvious GM does not have anything to be ashamed of.

As a septuagenarian, GM looks stunningly fit and healthy. He met The Jakarta Post for an interview looking in very good shape. Sporting a patterned shirt and khaki pants, he appeared 20 years younger.

“The key is discipline in exercise,” he said, adding that he tried to spend at least one hour on a treadmill every two days. GM added that he had quit smoking and kept a close eye on his diet.

Despite all his efforts, he understands that as a human being, death is inevitable.

But, the man known for his commentary Catatan Pinggir (Sideline Notes) said he doesn’t fear death.

“I fear if I cannot think again, if my mind suddenly goes blank. It will be embarrassing,” he said.

Instead of condemning old age, GM prefers to embrace it. “I am grateful to have experienced all the past. I had the privilege to see from the side of those who experienced it,” said GM, who has lived through many of Indonesia’s political and social changes since the time of the country’s founding president, Sukarno.

With 50 years of experience in the literary world and four decades in journalism, GM is one of the most resourceful people in the country.

His deep knowledge of philosophy and politics has earned him a reputation as one of the country’s great thinkers.

After this busy year, GM is planning to continue doing great things.

“I can’t imagine not being active anymore,” he said.

A number of book projects are in the pipeline and another great play about the death of national hero Kartini are among his next projects, following the production of the theatrical epic Tan Malaka earlier this year.

Theater is actually a new game for GM. Starting as a theater aficionado, GM has become active with theater, joining in numerous great plays that have catapulted his name as a reputable writer and director in the country.

“What I like about theater is its team work. Theater is also all-time creativity,” said GM, who began his career in the theater 18 years ago when he contributed text for Panji Sepuh.

Now, GM is set for another challenge. He plans to try a new genre in comedy in collaboration with Yogyakarta-based theater group Teater Gandrik next year.

GM’s tendency to try new things can also be seen from his presence in social media.

Putting the age factor aside, GM is up-to-date in terms of catching up with technology.

He has a Twitter account and his BlackBerry is his ultimate partner, accompanying his daily activities.

Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) chair Nezar Patria calls him the country’s most adaptive figure in engaging with new media.

GM has more than 70,000 followers on Twitter and he tweets dozens of times a day.

When asked about this, GM acknowledged that tweeting was a new hobby. He said he makes time in the morning to check his Twitter account.

“I also tweet during traffic,” he said, adding that his introduction to Twitter started three years ago when he used it to extend support to former finance minister Sri Mulyani and then central bank governor, now Vice President Boediono, who were blamed for the Bank Century scandal.

His political maneuverings have drawn considerable criticism, as people thought GM had transformed from a vocal government critic to a loyal supporter.

GM rebuffed such allegations, saying it was not the government but he himself who tried to support innocent people.

“Politics is like a night shift. You got to get into it during times of emergency. But after that, do other important things,” he said, adding that he supported Sri Mulyani’s nomination as a presidential candidate for the 2014 election.

In response to a question about birthday wishes, GM said he had nothing to wish for.

“No. Just wish me good health,” he told the Post, who tried to wish him a long life at the end of the interview.

The man is right. Good health is what he needs the most to enable him to continue to create great things for years to come.

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