'My love of cars is a masculine thing'

I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta

The name Roy Suryo is frequently associated with crime stories in Indonesia.

Neither a fiction writer nor movie director, he is, instead, probably the country's most famous multimedia expert.

He first became a public figure when he analyzed a politically explosive phone conversation, purportedly between then-president B.J. Habibie and his attorney general.

The 33-year-old, who likes to call himself an adventurer, opens up easily about the activities that fulfill his life.

What are your hobbies?

I have many hobbies, but the most interesting thing I am doing now is to restoring old Mercedes sedans made in the 1950s and 1960s. I began collecting the sedans about three years ago. I like to restore the sedans for my personal collection and I will never sell them.

By now, I have eight Mercedes sedans, and I leave them at my house in Yogyakarta, because I spend most of my time there.

Why are you interested in cars?

This is related to many things. First, I like mechanical objects like machines and have been interested in automotive services and driving since I was a teenager.

I see it as a masculine thing.

Second, collecting old cars is related with my job and other hobbies, the Internet and photography. When I am interested in buying a car, I can take the picture first, then I check the type by surfing the Internet.

Once, I found an old Mercedes idle in the street in Jakarta; and I looked for its owner. I talked to the owner and directly negotiated to buy the sedan. I also took a picture of the car, and then checked it out on the internet for authenticity. After I became convinced, I returned to Jakarta, paid for the sedan and took it to Yogyakarta.

Do you have any other activities at home?

Yes, watching TV. Other people have one or two or three satellite dishes at their homes. I installed eight dishes, which provide me with some 400 channels. I can enjoy many news and other types of programs from all over the world via various satellites.

I can watch any program, although there is a language barrier. But I only watch those related with history, science, news and politics. Then I can make content analysis of particular events.

How would you describe yourself?

Adventurer is a suitable word to describe myself. I think my hobbies and real job explain that. In my leisure time, I am hunting for old Mercedes sedans, which gives me the time to explore many challenges. I took an old Mercedes from Jakarta to Yogyakarta by a crane vehicle with my friend and myself.

In my job, as well, I have the characteristics of an adventurer. There are many other experts in multimedia, but they don't want to be involved in top cases because of the unseen power in the country.

What do you learn from being so adventuresome?

I should be determined, and have courage. I should also be able to think about when I must quit. For example, in the case of Tommy Soeharto, I had to quit helping the police when I learned the situation had gone wrong, as there was some information leaked to the press.

I also learned that many people branded me as (someone) looking for popularity for involving myself in cases handled by the police. But this is, again, because of my adventurous side, I feel I need to help the police.

What is your favorite color?

Blue, because it seems so good to me, and cool as well. I have many blue shirts.

What kind of books and movies do you like?

I like only books and movies on history and science fiction. I like reading and watching movies about new inventions and other thing related to them. I am never interested in romance.

Is that why you are in the multimedia field?

More or less. I studied communications and gained a master's degree in behavior and public health. So I have the related educational background, and I am also supported by my hobby in electronics.

What is your point of view in life?

I just want to live life just the way it is. I don't want to be ambitious. But I am always determined in my opinion, as I have to think twice before taking action.

What is your next dream?

I want to see Indonesia apply a better communications system and (make it) affordable to many people. I am sure Indonesia would be able to resolve any problems and crises when there is a proper communication system.

The problem of separatists, for example, is caused by a poor communication system; there is much information that has not yet been properly conveyed, so the content is not always the same -- even different from the original meaning.

As a matter of fact, it is not expensive to apply a better communication and multimedia system.

What makes your life worth living?

My wife. It would be hard if I were married to a woman who did not understand my job and activities. Luckily, I am married to Ismarindayani for six years, who is self-taught in the use of computer and other multimedia equipment. So we share the same interests.

But now I want to have more time to be with my wife.

I do not have any kids yet. When I have children, I will have to have more time at home. Now, I spend only four days at my home in Yogyakarta, and the remaining days in Jakarta as I have also many activities in the capital.