What is your favorite color and why?
“My favorite color is blue because it evokes a sense of calm and clarity. It’s everywhere in nature—the sky on a clear day or the deep ocean, which I find both soothing and mysterious. Blue also symbolizes stability and trust, which makes it versatile for everyday wear. Plus, shades like navy or sky blue can be elegant yet relaxed, much like my personality! I think its ability to balance serenity with energy is truly unique.”
Do you like the same colors now as you did when you were younger? Why/Why not?
“My color preferences have definitely evolved over time. As a child, I was drawn to bold, vibrant hues like red or yellow because they felt lively and exciting. Now, I appreciate subtler shades like navy or olive green, which I associate with maturity and balance. I think this shift reflects how my tastes have grown more subdued as I’ve valued calmness and sophistication in my environment.”
What can you learn about a person from the colors they like?
“Colors often reveal aspects of personality or mood. For instance, someone who favors bold red might be energetic or confident, while soft blues could signal a calm, reflective nature. Cultural associations also play a role—for example, white symbolizes purity in some cultures but mourning in others. Personally, I think consistent color choices might reflect deeper preferences for harmony or contrast in life.”
Do any colors have special meaning in your culture?
“In Indonesian culture, red and white—our national flag colors—symbolize bravery and purity. Green often represents growth and harmony, seen in traditional ceremonies. Black can signify mourning in some contexts, while gold is associated with royalty and prosperity in Javanese traditions. These colors reflect our diverse cultural values and historical symbolism.”
Describe a song or a piece of music you like. You should say: what the song or music is – what kind of song or music it is – where you first heard it – and explain why you like it?
“One song that holds a special place in my heart is Phil Collins’ Another Day in Paradise, a powerful pop-rock ballad. It’s not just a song—it’s a timeless critique of societal indifference, blending soulful vocals with a haunting melody that lingers long after the final note. I first heard it as a teenager in the late 1990s, when it was everywhere on the radio. Back then, I remember listening to it during long road trips with my family, and the way the music swelled during the chorus gave me chills every time. But what truly drew me in wasn’t just the music—it was the lyrics.
I’ve always admired how Another Day in Paradise marries artistic brilliance with social consciousness. Unlike many pop songs of its era, which prioritized escapism, this track demands action. It inspired me to volunteer at a local shelter years ago, where I saw firsthand the realities the lyrics evoke. Even today, its message feels alarmingly relevant. Musically, the arrangement is masterful: the piano-driven intro builds into a soaring guitar-laden chorus, while the harmonies and drumming add emotional depth.
What keeps me coming back isn’t just nostalgia—it’s the song’s honesty. In a world where so much music avoids difficult topics, Collins’ unflinching gaze at inequality feels revolutionary. It’s a reminder that art can be both beautiful and a call to responsibility. Every time I listen, I’m struck anew by its power to bridge personal reflection and collective action—a rare feat that makes it unforgettable.”
What kinds of music are popular with young people in your culture?
“Among Indonesian youth, K-pop and hip-hop dominate due to their energetic beats and global appeal, while regional pop genres like Pop Sunda or Pop Batak blend traditional instruments with modern sounds, celebrating cultural identity. Platforms like TikTok also popularize indie rock and punk, which youth associate with rebellious creativity. Many still enjoy fusion music mixing Western styles with gamelan or local dialect rapping, showing how young Indonesians embrace both global trends and cultural roots.”
What do you think influences a young person’s taste in music?
“A young person’s music taste is shaped by peer influence, as friends often share trending songs or artists. Cultural exposure plays a role too—family traditions or regional genres like gamelan in Indonesia might root them in local sounds. Social media and streaming platforms (e.g., TikTok, Spotify) introduce global trends rapidly, while personal identity drives choices—like rebellious teens gravitating toward punk or indie rock to express individuality.”
How has technology affected the kinds of music popular with young people?
“Technology has revolutionized youth music preferences by democratizing access—streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music let young people explore global genres instantly. Social media algorithms (e.g., TikTok) turn unknown tracks into viral sensations overnight, while collaborative tools enable indie artists to produce high-quality music affordably. Platforms like YouTube also expose Indonesian youths to K-pop or hip-hop while preserving local sounds like gamelan through digital archives—proving technology both globalizes and preserves musical diversity.”
Tell me about any traditional music in your culture?
“Indonesia’s traditional music reflects its cultural diversity. One iconic form is Gamelan—a bronze percussion ensemble from Java and Bali, often performed during royal ceremonies or Hindu rituals. In West Java, Angklung—bamboo tube instruments played in harmonic groups—is a UNESCO-recognized tradition symbolizing community unity. Bali’s Kecak, a vocal chant without instruments, tells epic stories like the Ramayana through synchronized male chorus and dance. These traditions are preserved through festivals and schools, ensuring their survival amid modern influences.”
How important is it for a culture to have musical traditions?
“Musical traditions are vital as they preserve cultural identity and connect communities to their heritage. For instance, Indonesia’s gamelan or angklung aren’t just sounds—they encode history, rituals, and values passed through generations. These traditions also foster social cohesion, as performances often require collective participation, strengthening communal bonds. Additionally, they inspire artistic innovation: modern artists blend traditional rhythms with contemporary styles, ensuring cultural evolution without losing roots. Without such traditions, a society risks losing its unique voice and shared emotional legacy.”
Why do you think countries have national anthems or songs?
“Countries have national anthems to symbolize unity and sovereignty, as they encapsulate shared values and historical struggles. For instance, lyrics often reference freedom or resilience (e.g., La Marseillaise’s revolutionary roots), while the music’s grandeur evokes pride. These anthems serve as ceremonial anchors at events like parades or Olympics, reinforcing national identity. They also educate citizens about heritage, connecting past sacrifices to present pride—a timeless reminder of collective belonging.”
