'I really dislike judgmental people'

It has been three years since Sarah Sechan went from being a TV actress and radio DJ to the coveted job of MTV VJ, quickly emerging as a mainstay of Asian pop culture. Now, the 27 year old is taking a new step as the deputy chief editor of franchised teen magazine Cosmo Girl, which will be launched soon. She recently talked to The Jakarta Post's Hera Diani in a break between her two jobs.

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

I would love to go back to school. I didn't finish school (Sarah went to Trisakti University's Accounting Academy) so I feel like there's something's missing, I feel, like, stupid or something. I want to take journalism or film, somewhere in the States. Actually, I wanted to go to New York, but after the World Trade Center attack, it's kind of changed.

What makes you tick?

New things. Things that I can learn something from. A challenge. Like this Cosmo Girl thing. It's a really new thing for me, I have no journalistic background and experience whatsoever. But I went to school abroad and we always had to write essays and I like writing essays. I'm really worried about bad comments. I'm also worried that I won't be able to make it. But I have a passion for what I do and if I know that something can make me learn, I will dedicate myself to that.

What trait do you most like about yourself?

I'm quite tolerant. I'm also a very simple person and easygoing.

And deplore?

My height (laughs). I'm very possessive of things that I own, relationships. I'm also a perfectionist.

Whom do you admire?

My grandmother. She is a very hardworking person. And she was the only girl in her family who dared to say no when told to get married when she was only 15 or 16 years old. My grandma said she wanted to go to school. She had to get married anyway, though. But she was working all her life, and even until now, she's 70- something; she just can't sit still.

What kind of clothes do you like to wear?

Simple clothes. I like beautiful clothes, but I'm no fashion victim. I usually choose earthy colors. I love vintage clothing, all of my jeans are vintage, except the ones I wear for working.

What was the last book you read?

Tales from Djakarta by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. I don't read Indonesian books much because I grew up abroad (in London and New York, where her father was a banker). I read Pramoedya's books, but I guess I'm just used to reading English. So when this English edition came out, I read it, and it was very good.

What makes you angry?

When people underestimate me.

When was the last time you were angry?

It's not the last time, but there's a moment that I remember most. I was hired to emcee in Bali. That was long before MTV. The head of the committee, a middle-age woman, was very rude, she didn't even look at me or shake my hand. Later on, she asked her secretary to tell me not to screw up, with this harsh tone, "Sarah, don't you ever make a mistake!". I was, like, "whatever, dude!" I knew I was new, but puhleeze! ...

What characteristics do you dislike in others?

Underestimating others and being judgmental.

Are we alone in the universe?

(pause) No. I'm sure there are some other creatures unlike us out there somewhere.

What makes you laugh?

Stupid things (laughs). Something that is norak (cheesy). Like this silly dance move my ex-boyfriend did. That kind of thing really makes me laugh.

And cry?

Just the thought of losing people I love can make me cry. What is your favorite smell?

(Laughs). I know my mom's gonna be reading this, but I love the smell of guys that I have dated and am with now. So far, I've been going out with guys that smell really nice when they're not wearing perfume (laughs). I thought every guy would smell that nice without perfume, but as it turned out, not every guy does (laughs). I also love the smell of my grandmother's cooking.

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

I should be more fit, more toned. Like Kylie Minogue, she's small, but her body is toned. I need more workouts.

What makes life worth living?

Having someone that you can share with, whatever you have, your loved one. You can have all the money or whatever but ... you know, there was a moment when I had a good job, a good paycheck and everything, but I was so lonely.

Do you have a favorite song?

Gotta Be by Des'ree. I love the lyrics, "You gotta be strong, you gotta be tough, you gotta be wiser ...". I also like the videoclip, it's very simple.

And movie?

Life is Beautiful. At the end of the film you don't know whether to be sad, to be relieved or to be happy. How a father wanted to make it easy for his son at the (war) time, it was very touching. Moulin Rouge is also excellent. How it uses the tackiest songs, but it turned out great. Real genius.

What is your favorite food?

Jajanan (traditional snacks). Those that are sold on carts. Like bakso (meatballs) without any meat at all, only kanji (sticky flour) ... (laughs).

What characteristics do you love in men?

I like all the characteristics in men (laughs). I like it when they're not embarrassed to show their sensitive side, when they're being human, not trying to be macho, or stuff.

Do you ever worry about your weight?

No, I'm worried about my height (laughs). Not really. But like I said, I want to be more toned.

Where is your favorite hangout?

My home. I like bars, good wine. I like places that are not too crowded, like Manna Lounge (in Taman Ria Senayan, Central Jakarta). I also like to go to restaurants, ordering a lot of food and then not finishing it (laughs). My favorite restaurants are all of those in the Mandarin Hotel, the food is great.

What is the cost of popularity?

Am I popular? Well, it's not really a burden for me. It's not like in Hollywood with paparazzi and stuff.

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

A yacht (laughs). That's not allowed, right? Mmm ... lip balm, my cellphone and a battery, a fully charged one.

Do you have any regrets in life?

No. I mean, I regretted that I quit school. But in the end, I have learned so many things from what I do.

What will you being doing say, 20 years from now?

Raising my kids, taking care of my husband. Opening a little shop.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good person.

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

Be with my mom. When I die, I want to be in my mom's arms.