'Family harmony makes life worth living'

Fifty-nine-year-old Timbul Suhardi is one of Indonesia's best-known comedians. He soared to stardom after joining Surabaya-based comedy group Srimulat in 1979.

He quit the group in 1986 and formed his own group, Batik, with fellow Srimulat members Basuki and Kadir, which flopped. His popularity soared again in 1998 when he starred in the highly popular Katoprak Humor Javanese opera, which was aired on RCTI.

A father of eight, he dropped out of a technical high school in Tegal, Central Java.

Question: If you had a choice, what would you be doing right now?

Answer: Working to earn money to buy food and clothes for my wife and children. I'm the breadwinner in the family.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Not having any enemies, and having no quarrel in my family or with my friends. Then peace can reign even if I don't have much money.

What makes you tick?

My family.

What traits do you most like about yourself?

Openness. I am open with my friends about everything except family matters.

And deplore?

I get angry easily.

Whom do you admire?

Nobody. When I was young, I admired Bing Slamet. He was a great joker and singer.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Anything I feel comfortable in.

What do you find funny?

Anything that makes someone laugh. A mad man is not funny. If you think he is funny, you are in fact crazy.

Who is the best comedian in Indonesia?

I can't tell. I don't think there are any that are better than the others. Tarsan, Kadir, Mamik and Basuki are funny, but they are not the funniest.

What book are you currently reading?

I don't have time to read books. The last book I read was a novel, it was a long time ago. I forget the title.

What makes you angry?

Disappointment. But I am not one to bear a grudge. It is easy for me to forgive.

When was the last time you were angry?

A few minute ago. As I told you, I anger easily.

What characteristics do you dislike in others?

Dishonesty.

What makes you laugh?

Something unexpected. For example, someone suddenly falling off his seat or spilling his drink.

And cry?

I never cry. When my mother died, I didn't cry. I don't see any use in crying over death. Would she have come to life again if I had cried? But if you would like to know if I liked crying as a child, you'd have to ask my mother in the hereafter.

If there were something you could change about your appearance, what would it be?

I've never thought about changing whatever God gave me. For example, I've never thought about having a different navel or a longer nose.

What is your favorite smell?

Fragrance.

What makes life worth living?

Peace in my family and workplace.

Do you have a favorite movie?

No. I have not been to the cinema in over five years.

Food?

Sayur asem (Tamarind vegetable soup)

What would you do if you were elected president?

I would reject it because I don't have the capability. There would be chaos if I was president.

What items do you always carry with you?

Money.

If the world were going to end in 24 hours, what would you do?

I submit to my fate to God, who determines everybody's destiny.

How do you see God?

God is justice.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a traditional artist.