‘I Tend to Hold a Grudge’

A man of many faces, Butet Kartaredjasa is balancing the demands of paying the bills through commercials and TV work and his passion for social criticism in his theater work. The son of the late famed dancer Bagong Kussudiardja commutes between his Yogyakarta home, where his wife and three children live, and Jakarta for his TV and theater engagements. Always special to the Weekender as the magazine’s first cover subject, he opens up about money matters, tear-free funerals and why life is often a gas around him.

What makes you smile?
When I see or hear something that is surprising, unpredictable and unique.

And cry?
When I cannot ever again meet somebody I love.

What do you never leave home without?
My agenda, a pen, my wallet, my sandals, my multi-pocketed pants and cigarettes and matches.

What is most important in life?
Making a lot of people happy.

What is the craziest thing you have ever done?
Advising my father when he married again.

Mouth-watering morsels?
Tongseng kambing (goat stew) and soto ayam (Indonesian chicken soup).

Favorite clothes?
Cotton clothes, T-shirt and cargo pants.

How would you spend US$1 million?
Play the stock market, and buy blue-chips.

What is an unforgivable act?
Being a traitor, both personally and in other ways.

How would you like to die?
I want to die in a beautiful way, without causing any bother to others. I want to die in peace. And when I’m buried, I want all my friends to be there, but with no tears, just laughter. 

Happiest times of your life?
When something I have planned is realized?

Your best trait?
I don’t know (laughs). Sincerity and honesty, because I cannot be a hypocrite.

And worst?
Does smoking count (laughs)? If I am betrayed, I will keep it for a long time. And I have a tendency to bear grudges.  

Bad habits?
Actually, I think smoking is a good thing! But I can fart at any time and wherever. My colleagues must have beautiful memories of me farting!

Your two dream dinner guests?
First, my wife. And then Bung Karno, so he can admire my wife’s beauty! I admire him, I was already reading his books in elementary school. He had grand ideas for this nation.

What era would you like to have lived in?
The Majapahit era, because women did not wear bras back then. I’m a big fan of breasts!

+ Bruce Emond

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