W

Could you tell us how Hifatlobrain started?

A

It started in 2007, I created the website while skipped classes in college (laughs). At that time, there was a ‘blog fever’ in Indonesia – whoever had a blog will seem hip and be seen. I myself created a blog to be hip and be seen.

W

In the website’s description, Hifatlobrain offers a ‘Travel Experience.’ Could you elaborate on this concept, and what sort of perspective do readers get after reading Hifatlobrain?

A

As I recall, at that time there weren’t many bloggers that specialized in travel-writing. Most who did wrote notes of their trip in a form of a travel guide, which includes a touch of narcissism and the funds needed to make it to the destination. I didn’t enjoy reading blogs such as these. I prefered honest storytelling, ones that emphasized the personal experience of the traveler. It could be stories of happiness, sadness, or contemplation that the person experienced in their journey. These aspects make every journey different, even if the destination is the same.

W

How does one truly enjoy travelling? As there must be a difference in experiencing a destination as a traveller and as a tourist.

A

This is a tricky question. I might just be called an extremist for giving labels to travelling (laughs). As Paul Fussell said, “We are all tourists now, there is no escape.”

Nevermind that debate, I always believe that good travellers are always faithful to their curiosity.

W

Many say that by travelling we can get a new perspective on the world, one that non-travellers might not get to experience. Do you agree with this idea and why?

A

Gaining a new perspective in a journey is a blessing to be thankful for. There are travellers who have been around the world, but their perspective remain narrow. On the other hand, there are those who have never been out of their own city, but have deep knowledge of the city.

To me, that new perspective doesn’t just fall down from the sky. This frame of mind is gained through interactions and small talk with the people we meet during a journey.

W

What were some interesting experience you experienced that you still remember until now?

A

Having wet dreams in the backseat of a Motang Rua truck, while crossing Flores with my good friend Nuran Wibisono.

W

Hifatlobrain writes mostly about travelling in indonesia. In your opinion, are there challenges when travelling here?

A

We have to admit that Indonesia is a rich country, especially regarding its diverse cultures and tribes. If you believe that travelling is a learning process, then Indonesia is a book you will never finish. Every page holds surprises and different nuances. This wealth of cultures is what makes Indonesia fun to explore.

W

What do you prepare before travelling? What are the essentials?

A

Before heading to a new destination, I will usually read and do a little bit of research about the place. A relatively good understanding can keep the journey from being a waste of time. As for travelling essentials, I always bring a small notepad, pen, and camera. For overland travels, I always bring with me a map. This map will prove useful when planning a trip with the locals. I always feel the need to involve the locals when planning a journey, because they usually know great places that you will not find in the media.

W

Could you comment on the rising number of travelling in Indonesia, and the negative aspect it brings to the cultures and ecosystems of the destinations?

A

That is when having insight as travellers becomes important, because they cannot just take a piss and leave. Having knowledge and an understanding of the destination will help minimize the negative aspects that travellers often do not comprehend.

W

Now that people from all walks of live travel, what would you say a beginner traveller must know before embarking on this activity?

A

Don’t be easily tempted by cheap tickets, read many books before travelling, and your insights as well as an open mind will open the doors of possibilities during your journey.

W

Are there any websites/references that people perhaps are not aware of?

A

There isn’t any particular website that i visit. I am random internet browser.

W

There are those who say that the concept of travelling in Indonesia still carries a colonial tradition, that people who travel in Indonesia only see their destination as an exotic place, even though it shouldn’t be seen in that manner. Could you comment on this?

A

JJ Rizal has said the same thing a few years ago in a coffeeshop in Surabaya. Because JJ Rizal said so, I agree with the statement (laughs).

But, exotisim cannot be easily removed from the minds of a traveler, and that is perhaps natural. It is getting worse as most travel books published in indonesia carry a narrative that is never too far from exoticism and narcissism.

With that reason, three years ago started a discourse regarding the need to enrich the theme of travellings from books in Indonesia – to avoid monotony in both theme and content.

As a fact, if you take a look back, the books published in Indonesia during the 20th century were rich with themes. Ranging from nature-adventures, wildlife, journalistic writing, pilgrimage, to anthropological research. I particularly enjoy books that were published between 1940-1950, as they emit a strong spirit of nationalism.

W

Hifatlobrain’s website is currently being updated, perhaps to a new, more sophisticated look. What can readers look forward to see in the new site?

A

Hifatlobrain’s new site will not be ‘sophisticated,’ it will be ‘Sophia Muller’, sexier and mature! (laughs).
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