'I dislike people who are backstabbers'

Baby-faced Yana Julio has enjoyed success as part of the group Elfa's Singers and on his own, including at international song festivals. Now 40, the native of Bandung continues to make music with soulful ballads and up-tempo pop. He talked to The Jakarta Post's Bruce Emond about the important things in his life, including telling people what he honestly thinks of them.

What would you be doing now if you had the choice?

I would like to be at home because I'm not feeling too well at the moment. At home I have my wife to take care of me, to give me a massage, to cook for me.

What makes you tick?

It changes. When I was young, I wanted to get a degree, have knowledge. As I got older, it was music, because I realized I had talent. Now it's doing my best for my family, and to optimize what I have.

What characteristics do you like about yourself?

I am very rational. I always think things through, before I say something, before I do something. I don't have emotional reactions.

And dislike?

I'm sometimes too easy-going, relaxed. So it sometimes appears that I don't have motivation. Que sera sera. But that's only sometimes.

What are you most proud of?

I'm not proud but appreciative of things, like my career and family. I try to avoid being proud.

What do you most regret?

That I was not able to do much for my mother when she was alive. She died when she was 52 and I wasn't able to give enough back to her or my father.

Who do you most admire?

From the music world, I most admire Quincy Jones, who helped so many singers rise to the top. I also admire Walt Disney, and from Indonesia Jallaludin Rachmat, the Sufi writer.

What do you like to wear?

Casual, but on stage a bit formal with a stylish design. I like green as a color, but I'll wear clothes of any color.

What's your favorite food?

Sashimi.

What was the last book you read?

Meraih Cinta Illahi by Jallaludin Rachmat.

Do you worry about your weight?

I've never really had a problem with my weight. I'll go up a kilo or two, then lose it. But I have gained a bit since I got married. My wife is a good cook and everything tastes delicious. My ideal weight is 58 kg, but now I weigh 62.

What is your favorite song?

You Make Me Feel Brand New, it holds a special memory for me. And from my own career, Hasrat Cinta.

What makes you angry?

It's a little thing. My wife does not wear the jilbab (Muslim women's headdress), although she plans to. So if we go out to the mall, she should always bring the mukena (prayer clothes) but she sometimes forgets. Then I get angry.

What characteristics of others do you dislike?

I don't like it if people are nice to us to our face, sweet talking us, but stab us in the back. They should just be honest with us.

What makes you laugh?

The old films of Benyamin. He was a real Indonesian comedian.

What makes you cry?

When I'm performing my evening prayers and I realize my faults, my sins. The thought of them makes me cry.

What do you always carry with you?

I used to bring a small bag with me, but I cannot be bothered anymore. Now I just bring a leather cigarette case with my driver's license, a credit card, some money and my cell phone. It all fits just right.

What are your bad habits?

Smoking. I stopped from 1995 to 1997 but then I began again.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I would like to be taller. With my height and weight, I tend to look buntet (Sundanese for squat). I'm always looking for men's shoes with a higher heel, about five centimeters, to wear in my shows.

Do you have a favorite film?

The Sound of Music, The Ten Commandments. And recently I like Dance with Me with Vanessa Williams.

Would you ever consider having plastic surgery?

No, people would start to wonder what I had done. It's still not common in Indonesia with our eastern norms.

What is the most irritating thing about life?

Right now the condition of this country. Even though I'm in the entertainment world, I'm still an Indonesian citizen. Every day I hear the same news about our politics, manmade disasters. It's all really disturbing for me. Sometimes you just want to say 'Enough already!'.

What three things would you take with you if you were stranded on a desert island?

My wife, planting tools and books.

Is there anything that cannot be forgiven?

No, because we may be in the wrong too.

How do you want to be remembered?

As an imam (religious figure) by my family. And as a good father and husband.