'I've enough in my career, now I want a family'
Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Ulfa Dwiyanti possesses rare talent as a woman entertainer. Her congenial, fresh approach to dishing out ladles of laughter has made her the queen among emcees in the country, as well as a leading host of TV shows.
Success for her is not about competing with others, including men.
"That's not the point of emancipation. As a professional, I must do my work well, that's what I call building my existence," she said recently during a break in filming one of her several TV shows.
"I don't want to muluk-muluk (aim high) beyond my capacity. I work with men as colleagues and treat them with respect because they also respect me."
Although her first two marriages ended in divorce, Ulfa, who turns 30 on May 4, hopes that a happy family life lies in her future.
Question: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Answer: A satisfaction that cannot be measured. By the way, is there any such a perfect happiness? For me right now, if I can already feel at ease with my life and enjoy what I earn, that's enough.
Q: If you had the choice, what would you be doing right now?
A: Starting a family. I prefer to concentrate on how to build a family, that's not easy, moreover after what I have been through. My career is already enough, so what do I want now? I want a family.
Q: What is your ultimate fantasy?
A: I want to have a baby. If I see a pregnant woman, I often feel guilty. But I always return what I want to God. I trust Him that He has a plan for me. Help me, God.
Q: Which trait do you most dislike about yourself?
A: Sometimes I can't help being selfish. Maybe because I am the youngest (in her family) and the only girl. Since returning from my haj pilgrimage this year, I realize I have to control it.
Q: Which living persons do you admire?
A: It is difficult to find one right now. I don't know who to look up to. I believe it is hard to name a public figure that you can truly believe and be so sure that she or he is clean and honest. My answer is such a cliche, but I only admire God.
Q: Do you believe in God?
A: Of course (laughs)... I'm shocked, of course I believe in God.
Q: If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what do you think it would be?
A: An ABG (teenager)....(laugh). No, that's not funny. I want to be like my mom. She passed away because of cancer. I was 24 years then. She was so tender, wise, kind-hearted and at the same time I knew her as a strong woman.
Q: What was the last book you read?
A: Rumah yang dikunjungi Malaikat. I don't know who is the author but I really like that book. It's about how to build and enliven a house so that it will be visited and loved by angels.
Q: What makes you angry?
A: Back-stabbing by colleagues. It happened to me twice but we don't need to discuss it. I think it's because I have learned something from the two incidents, too. That's enough for me.
Q: What makes you embarrassed?
A: If I am on the stage and I wrongly call someone's name and title. I'm so embarrassed. And also if I get caught lying to people but, if not, Alhamdullilah (thank God).
Q: Do you ever worry about your appearance?
A: A little. What's the most important for me is that if whatever I wear is comfortable for me, that's enough.
Q: What would you change about your appearance?
A: Yes, I plan to fully cover my hair (according to Islamic guidelines). If people see me on television, I will probably be wearing a wig or hat to cover my hair. I want this to be a process before I fully dress as a Muslim woman because my intention in going on the haj was how to clean and equip my heart and soul, and not just physically dress as a Muslim.
Q: What makes life worth living?
A: If I do the best and can make people happy. At least they can smile and laugh.
Q: Do you have a favorite song?
A: I love Krisdayanti's songs and also Jamrud. All their songs. They are so natural.
Q: Do you have a favorite movie?
A: All films starring Steven Seagal. Yes, I like action films and movies on wars.
Q: What is the quality you most like in a man?
A: The important thing is he can lead me as an imam (leader) in the world and my life after death. Really, a man must have the quality of a leader.
Q: Is there anything you regret about your life?
A: No real regrets. I have my past but nothing to regret.
Q: How would you like to be remembered?
A: As a person who can make others happy.
Q: Which talent would you most like to have?
A: I want to sing well. I am in the middle of taking basic vocal lessons.