Letter from L.A.
“Having two children, trying to complete a Master’s degree and tackling other life responsibilities, you have to be creative if you want to have a balanced lifestyle,” declares Los Angeles-based ADINDA BAKRIE in an exclusive interview with SARADETA SINAGA
JUST OVER A year ago, we interviewed Adinda Bakrie about her hopes and dreams for her relocation to Los Angeles. The beautiful and stylish young mother-of-two had just entered on a new chapter in her life. She had moved with her young children to California and begun studying for a Master’s degree in Psychology.
For her eighth cover story appearance in Prestige, Adinda posed for an edgy photo shoot with top fashion photographer and USA Editor Mitchell Nguyen McCormack. She also gave us the lowdown on the first year of her new life in L.A. Our absorbing conversation covered everything from how she sees herself as a cheerleader for her children to her recent trips to Machu Picchu and Cartagena, and the sense of liberation and independence she enjoys as a consequence of relocating living in California.
“I love my routine here in L.A.,” begins Adinda. “My priority is to be a good cheerleader for my children as they do their schooling and their activities, such as dance, Jiu Jitsu, music and soccer. I hope they learn from each other how to enjoy the simple things, while I’m planning for the many amazing adventures that L.A. can offer while we are here.
“On top of that, my life has also been dedicated to my studies. I enjoy exercising, such as hiking at Runyon Canyon Park, doing Hot 8 Yoga classes - a must! - or simply jumping on my bike out and doing errands around town, while burning off some calories as well. Having two children, trying to complete a Master’s degree and tackling other life responsibilities, you have to be creative if you want to have a balanced lifestyle.”
How are her children faring in their new environment? “Kierra is six now and a firstgrader already. She’s my little lady. We comfort each other in good times and bad times. As intuitive and mature as she is for her age, I am trying together with her to take everything easy and show that us being happy is the most important thing for ourselves.
“My son Kellan is three years old and quite a little ‘beast’. I mean that in a good way. He is so strong physically and mentally. He is my number one fan, extremely protective and possessive. I must admit, I love the feeling of being wanted this much, but at the same time I am also learning to teach him boundaries. I believe that all parents want their children to learn discipline and attentiveness as they grow up. I am very grateful and blessed to have these two in my life.
“I often eat breakfast with them and sometimes I make their snacks. I go with them to their dance, Jiu Jitsu and soccer practices, and their music classes. On the weekends, we often take a drive somewhere. That is why L.A is so amazing. You can go to the beach, the desert, cliffs, even see snow. They are all within a one- to four-hour drive.”
Judging by some of the charming images on Adinda’s Instagram page, Kierra has already developed a sense of style. Is it a case of like mother, like daughter? “I think she has her own style already,” laughs Adinda. “Mommy is learning from her. She is definitely fiercer than me!”
How are Adinda’s studies going? “It’s going great,” she tells us. “I love being back in school. I hope that’s not a bad thing! Learning just comes naturally for me. It humbles you, but at the same time it gives you information that directs you onto the path of knowing what you want in life. I think learning makes you humble, and when you let yourself be humble, you let yourself look at things from different perspectives. You realise what works for you and what does not. Then you can start realising what you want, one by one, step by step, in each aspect of your life. Nonetheless, my experience is that learning and realising new things is a life-long journey, hence you keep changing into a better you. That is what makes life so risky and exciting at the same time. What do I want in life? The same like everyone else, well most people, and that is to be happy.”
What does Adinda like most about living in L.A.? “Honestly, I love the feeling of safety and of doing everything on my own,” she replies. “Of course, I always have to be alert as well. However, there is a sense of liberation and independence that Western culture, especially in the U.S., can give to people. At the same time, I also miss being with my dearest family members and friends in Jakarta. Independence feels nice, but at the end of the day, you also want to feel you are part of something, to have a sense of belonging. I tell myself that this journey is part of my finding a balance between those two concepts.
“I think there is no such thing as a better culture. Both western and eastern cultures have their own benefits and disadvantages. What I have learned is that, with the social media, this generation has become a global citizen and hence our culture has evolved into a global culture. Even if you live in Indonesia, you get to see and experience some of the western culture, but in different
extremities. I think it would be good for Indonesians to embrace this global connectedness, but still to uphold all of our eastern values and principles.”
Adinda giggles when asked about her shoot with Mitchell McCormack. “I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun I had that day with Mitchell and his team,” she says. “I must say, he is so talented and one of a kind. It was extremely hot that day and Mitchell was working extra hard, so at the end he asked to borrow my shorts - and they fit him! He did not care how he looked, he just wanted to create art. It was an adventure and I would not have it any other way. He is a perfectionist and a comic at the same time. I felt empowered and at ease with him.”
How about Adinda’s travel schedule these days? “With my school commitments, my travel dates are more limited,” she answers. “Nevertheless, when I get holidays, I use them to my advantage. Last Christmas, I went to Machu Picchu and Cartagena. I was in awe and want to do more trips like that. Experiencing the sacred valley on top of the mountain was definitely the highlight. The whole trip, though, was mind-blowing. It was my first time in South America. Peru has amazing food and such an interesting history. However, going to Macchu Picchu is not that easy. Even when you take the easier route, it’s still a little adventure. There was the train, buses, hiking. Cartagena was a completely different vibe. We went salsa dancing, coffeehouse hopping, graffiti exploring. All in all, I want to travel more. I love the feeling of seeing things that are out of my world. It makes me appreciate what I have, but look forward to what I can still experience.
“I also have been travelling around California in my car. Sometimes, when the children are at school, I will drive far and try local eateries, or just sit and read somewhere. California is a one-stop shop for explorers. I love driving to Big Sur, eating sea urchins in Santa Barbara, watching people playing at Venice basketball courts on my bike, skiing at mountain high, which is only one hour away. Then I can drive further to Mammoth if I decide I want more skiing and bigger mountains. At the same time, I can also check out what’s going on at the Hollywood Bowl and experience L.A.’s best live entertainments with my own picnic basket and a bottle of my favourite Napa wine, or maybe some light Corona.”
Adinda’s Instagram followers know that she likes to play the piano. How important is music to her? “I love music, without a doubt. I don’t think I can go about my day without music. I am not as skillful as most people think with the piano. I play by ear. I used to compose when I was young. Now, I play to ease my mind. I don’t read music, but playing the piano gives me a sense of freedom to follow my gut and my instincts. It feels nice.
“I’ve been going to Coachella for the past two or three years. I saw Lady Gaga and Kendrick Lamar perform. I think Kendrick is very talented. I was not really into hip hop, but talented people like him can draw people to open up to new things, new horizons. I believe that if something is good, people just have to be open-minded or be willing to change their beliefs a little. At the end, it’s a win-win situation. They can still have the same interests and values, but they just have additional ones. Whatever route you take, it is still your decision and even if you make mistakes, as long as you learn from it, you are growing. I have been following this mantra as I am exploring and trying new things here in L.A.” She laughs: “Or as Kendrick says in his song titled God, “Don’t judge me.”
How often does Adinda visit Indonesia? “I visit Jakarta during school holidays,” she tells us. “I spend most of my days back home with my family and best friends. They are my pillars and my greatest supporters. Going back home reminds me of how much I am missed and loved. The Bakrie Foundation is still running with its own platform back home. I am looking forward to being involved in their projects as soon as I finish my studies here.”
Finally, what are Adinda’s plans for the next few years? “I will complete my Master’s next year, hopefully,” she says. “Right now, I have a couple of plans lined up. I still hope someday that I can write and publish a book. I do have a direction, but my goal at this moment is to enjoy my time here in Los Angeles, learn as much as I can, and be present in the moment in whatever activities and with whomever I’m with.”
“I do have a direction, but my goal at this moment is to enjoy my time here in Los Angeles, learn as much as I can, and be present in the moment in whatever activities and with whomever I’m with”