'I love the smell of my koi'

Johny Andrean, 39, is one of Indonesia's top stylists. With 97 salons throughout the country and one in San Francisco, the father of four divides his time between his home in Green Gardens, West Jakarta, and a house in the United States. He shares his view on life with The Jakarta Post's contributor William Furney.

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

Traveling around the world. Especially to mountains and beaches.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Having a beautiful wife and wonderful children, a good business and nice homes.

What makes you tick?

Being the best. It's something I learned from my parents.

What characteristic do you most like about yourself?

Self-motivation.

And deplore?

I work too hard. I spend too many hours at the office.

Have you ever had a cringingly embarrassing moment?

I really don't remember.

Whom do you admire?

My father; he taught me a lot. In the early days, I admired [former president] Soeharto because he did a lot for this country. That was before we found out what he was like.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Casual clothes and high necks. Dark colors.

What book are you reading right now?

The Garden and Plants, because I'm doing a lot of gardening at my home in San Francisco. I'm planting a lot of shrubs.

Do you ever worry about your weight?

No. It's not a problem for me.

What makes you angry?

I get angry if my staff hurt customers by not giving good service. If our customers are angry, so am I.

When was the last time you were angry?

A few months ago.

What characteristics do you dislike in others?

Lying and cheating.

What makes you laugh?

Lots of things: funny films and stories, especially jokes friends e-mail to me. And Mr. Bean.

And cry?

I haven't cried for a long time.

What items do you carry with you at all times?

Glasses, cell phone and wallet.

What is your single biggest extravagance?

Koi. I have 150 of them in my pond in Jakarta.

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

Nothing. It's more important to be happy about what's inside.

What's your favorite song?

When I Need You by Rod Stewart.

And movie?

All the Indiana Jones movies.

Have you had, or would you ever consider, plastic surgery?

I think it's OK if you've had an accident or something. Cosmetically, it's fine if women want it.

What for you is the single most irritating thing about life?

The lack of infrastructure, including bad roads, here. Also, the huge imbalance between the rich and poor. And difficulties doing things in Indonesia, like getting a driving license.

Do you think we are alone in the Universe?

Funny questions! I've no idea if we're alone.

What's your favorite smell?

My koi. I spend 30 minutes feeding and playing with them in the mornings. I also like the smell of my garden in the States.

Is there one thing in life you would love to do?

I'd love to go on safari in Africa.

If you had to live on a desert island for one year, and were only allowed to take three things, what would they be?

My family, friends and koi.

How do you feel about death?

When I was young, I was very scared of death. But I haven't been for a long time now.

What would your last words be?

I'd tell the people in my family to take care of each other.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good father, friend and brother.