'I can't imagine myself without my moustache'
Andi Alifian Mallarangeng came into great demand as a political observer after the downfall of former president Soeharto, as more political debates were held and the media began to publish and air sharper criticisms. The 37-year-old father of two, who earned his doctorate from Northern Illinois University, now lectures at the University of Indonesia. Andi, who is married to Vitri Cahyaningsih, spoke with The Jakarta Post's Emmy F. Hastuti about the things he values in life.
Question: If you had the choice, what would you be doing right now?
Answer: Wow ... well, I would like to read some novels on a beach probably, things which I am not able to do nowadays.
Q: Any favorite authors?
A: I don't have any particular preference of writers, but I enjoy novels with a historical background like Shogun and other works by James Clavell.
Q: Do you have any wishes you have not yet attained?
A: I want to have a home of my own. I want to build a house that I designed on my own, of course with my family. I'd really like to have that, and now I plan to have that.
I'm a homebody. I wish I could move my office to my home so I could be close to my children, and do all the intellectual processes of reading, writing and even having discussions in my home office. Now I still live in my official residence, which belongs to the university.
Q: Which trait do you most like about yourself?
A: I'm not snobbish, but I have self-confidence. I don't feel inferior to people, high-ranking officials or ministers. And I don't easily look down on other people. I'm an easygoing guy.
Q: And dislikes?
A: I easily trust people. I also pity others easily, so people often take advantage of me.
Q: Whom do you admire?
A: I don't have names for that, because I admire a certain part from one figure but also take another part from another personality. I like Gandhi, but not the whole Gandhi, and I also like Truman and Lincoln.
Q: Who has affected your life?
A: My wife, my professors, my family and my friends. And I think a lot of people around me.
Q: What kind of clothes do you like to wear?
A: I like casual clothes, but the problem is my profession requires a professional look. So if I had the choice I would rather wear jeans.
Q: Do you worry about your appearance?
A: No. It's just like whether I comb my hair or not, it will always be the same. I don't see much difference, but of course I comb it everyday.
Q: Do you believe in God?
A: Yes; that's the easiest question.
Q: What was the last book you read?
A: Understanding Globalization by Thomas L. Friedman
Q: What was the last movie you saw?
A: Frequency ... which I saw on a plane during a recent trip abroad. If not (for flying), I would never have the time to watch (movies).
Q: Do you have a favorite movie?
A: I am really impressed with The Sound of Music. I've watched that more than once, five times, perhaps.
Q: What makes you angry?
A: What makes me angry? When I see injustice in front of me but there is not much I can do about it. I get angry with myself and the situation.
Q: What makes you laugh?
A: Funny situations, even involving myself.
I still try to laugh at myself and take that in a positive way. A sense of humor is an important thing that keeps us alive. I happen to be a person who finds it easy to laugh.
Q: And cry?
A: Well, I cry mostly because of sad, sad situations. I cry very rarely, though. I cried when my father and my brother passed away. I remember those good times we spent together, and I long for them but there's nothing I can do.
Q: What three things would you take with you to a desert island?
A: A laptop with a satellite connection that runs on sonar energy, so I could still make contact with people around the world, and my family, and then I could enjoy the time.
Q: What would you change about your appearance?
A: I cut my hair short last month but I don't really like the results. My moustache will remain the way it is, I'm not planning anything with my moustache. I can't imagine myself without my moustache. Also, I don't like experimenting with my appearance.
Q: Do you have a favorite song?
A: I like The Police. I'm an 80s guy.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Beefsteak made by my auntie; she is very good at making steak. And grilled chicken made by my auntie's grandmother. Actually, my auntie's grandmother is not a biological grandmother, she's a relative and has been taking care of us for a long time.
If I'm abroad, I often miss those foods.
Q: What are the qualities of a good friend?
A: Loyalty, easy to talk to, can enrich the relationship and has a good sense of humor.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: As someone who tried his best to contribute something to society, and at the same time I want to be remembered as a good person.