1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

Before becoming an Ambassador in Hungary I visited Budapest four times. First in 1989, at the end of the socialist times, this trip was connected to my love of football. My second visit was in 1992, as my cousin was Ambassador to Hungary at that time.

Then I came again for work in 2005 as part of the Indonesian Olympic Committee, together with athletes including some fencers as the sport of fencing is so popular in Hungary. I came again in 2017 with my wife as she wanted to visit Budapest.

Most recently I arrived here at the beginning of March 2019, and was officially appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Hungary in the January of 2019.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

I lived in New York between 1973-1975, I played music there and I also in Tokyo. I was the bass player in a famous band of those times. Also when I was younger I played a lot of sports, football and basketball in particular. At one point I owned my own football club. back in the 80's.

So, you see I am not a career diplomat, however those experiences provided me with much experience and lead to my appointment as an Ambassador by the President of Indonesia.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

Firstly it was the language, which is so different from any other languages, and secondly, I was surprised by the rich and significant history of Hungary.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do? 

Take a walk along the Danube to see the magnificent sights along the way, as it is amazing how nice it is here compared to say the river in Vienna where it is so small in comparison.

Naturally it depends on their interest as well as the time of the year, during the warmer months I would also recommend a walk in the City Park, in wintertime they might like to play with the snow which of course they can't experience in Indonesia. As for food I suggest the Szegedi Restaurant in Budapest, as well as the 'Indonesia Culinary Restaurant' on Radai utca.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

Halászló, and I like it spicy, Szegedi style!

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?

Juice, any type fruit juice.

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Köszönöm!

8. What do you miss most from home? 

Friends of course, and the food - most ingredients can be found in Hungary, but not all.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Well, honestly I did everything I wanted to in my life, so really I cannot name anything else.

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

A movie star. When I was younger, people said I have the cut as movie star, and they invite me to star in the movies. However wise friends told me that once you start such a lifestyle you can never escape, and so their advice kept me away from such a career.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

By the beaches of Croatia - in Dubrovnik, Opatija and Split – as that's also something I miss from home whilst living in Hungary.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

Malta, as my boss – my wife - wants us to visit there because of it's amazing history, Mediterranean cultural mix and because they all speak English there.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

I can't resist saying yes, but I always say yes followed by but: Yes, but...

14. What was your favourite music, film, or hobby as a teen?

Music: it depended on the time of the day actually. In the morning it would be disco type of music while doing exercise. Then something instrumental during lunch time. In the evening some soul music, then around midnight the blues.

Film: there were so many, but just to mention a few: The Godfather, The Graduate, and I would also mention I really enjoyed Meeting Joe Black. Hobby: first it was football, than basketball.

15. Red wine or white?

Red. I don't have a favourite brand, that is not important to me, it is the wine's taste that matters, so it doesn't have to be expensive just good.

16. Book or movie?

Both! Sometimes there are books you read that later are made into movies, and the film doesn't perfectly reflect the book. On the other hand, some films cannot be 'read' - or at least do not give you the same experience as the film.

17. Morning person or night person?

I used to be morning, now I am both.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Poverty.

19. Buda or Pest side?

Buda

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

This is my English translation of my motto: I learnt to give not because I had much, but because I know exactly how it feels to have nothing.