Interview with a Former Member: Diasta
by Richardson Kilis · May 14, 2015
It has been over a year since we last met Diasta during an informal fan gathering after she left JKT48. When we last saw her, she was just returning to her normal life as a college student. However, within a few months, she became active again in Indonesia’s Japanese pop culture scene. She has returned to her roots as a fan of Japanese idols, anime, and cosplay, and she has also found followers old and new.
While continuing to make public appearances, she also recently started her career as an architect. Despite the busy schedule, we were able to meet Diasta in Jakarta during a recent weekend to talk about her plans for the future.
Hi, Diasta.
Hello.
It’s been three years since your debut with JKT48.
Wow, really?
Where did the nickname “Nyash” come from?
I don’t know. It’s been there for so long. Haha. I think it started in middle school. That’s what my friends called me back then.
So it didn’t start when you were in JKT48?
Nope.
If you could compare yourself to musical instrument, what would it be?
Piano.
Why?
Because I can play the piano. Hahaha.
Have you ever done a piano recital?
Yeah. I joined a class, so recitals would happen every year.
Have you had other performances in public?
I performed once in JKT48 before. It was a talent show or something like that.
Diasta and Her Audition
How did you find out there was an audition for JKT48?
I found out from my friends. Some of them thought it was a casting of some sort, but I knew it was an actual audition. I was interested in participating because I already knew about AKB48.
How long did it take from the first audition to the final announcement?
Around three months.
Was JKT48 your first audition?
Yes.
Tell us more about your first audition.
It was at a public park. Haha. I was actually already late for the first round of auditions, but the process wasn’t a big deal back then. We shot some videos for it.
Your audition was late?
Yeah. I didn’t really expect much because of it. My friend told me that the staff would come to Bandung to take our videos.
Wait. They went to Bandung?
Yeah. I’m also not sure why. Maybe they didn’t have a lot of participants for the first audition since not many people knew about it.
What happened then?
After the videos were done, I didn’t hear anything from them for a long time, maybe around a month maybe. I even forgot that I auditioned. Hahaha.
What?
Haha, yeah. I forgot that I had auditioned. I got a reminder when they sent me a text message that I had passed the first round. Haha.
Did they call you to Jakarta after that?
Yeah, they asked me to go to Jakarta. It was on a Sunday. Coincidentally, I was already going to Jakarta that Saturday for a family gathering.
How did your parents react?
I didn’t say anything to them when I auditioned the very first time. Haha. Before the second round, I thought I had to tell my parents. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to go to the audition. Can’t sneak away from my parents.
So you decided to tell them.
Right. I told them that I was going to have an audition the next day in Jakarta, since we were already there anyway. But my parents told me that they were planning to go home early that next day, so I thought, “Oh, well. Never mind then.” I thought there wasn’t anything I could do about it.
Did they end up giving you permission then?
Yes. On the Sunday, they changed their plans and decided to go home in the evening, so I got a chance to audition. Haha.
Did they say anything?
“Don’t take too long.” Hahahaha.
What did they ask you to do on the second round?
Sing. Dance. I was pretty nervous.
Was it the joint audition?
Yeah. That’s where I met Ghaida. Haha.
Did you know Ghaida before?
No, I actually knew her sister because she was my upperclassman in school. When I went to the audition, I was surprised to see her sister. “What are you doing here?” Hahaha.
Did she audition as well?
No. She was there to accompany Ghaida. That’s how I was introduced to Ghaida.
Did they announce the results there, or did you have to wait again?
We had to wait.
You forgot about it again.
You bet. Hahahaha.
What happened after that?
I passed again, and they asked me to go in for training. Four times a week, if I’m not mistaken. It was pretty hard for me because I also had college classes to attend. But the schedule ended up being Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so it wasn’t that bad.
How was the final audition?
Oh! It was during my final exams. At first, I thought I would just let the audition go. I got a bit conflicted. Haha.
I’m sure you realized by then there would be schedule conflict in the future if you passed.
Yeah. At the end of the day, I focused on final audition instead of studying for my exams. I had to repeat the second semester. Hahaha.
Whoa. Do you regret it?
At first, I was just doing it for fun, but without realizing I got more serious about it closer to the final audition.
Diasta and Family
Did your family support your idol activities?
They weren’t that supportive in the beginning, but as time passed, they started caring more, like giving me a ride to Jakarta etc. Another example is that my parents are the ones who get more excited whenever JKT is on TV. Haha.
Do they still get excited now?
They do! Hahaha. There was a concert with AKB48 just recently, right? My parents were the ones who asked to watch it together with them. Haha. Too bad that there were no tickets left.
(Diasta suddenly asked.)
Diasta: Did you watch the first joint concert with JKT48?
JKT48Stuff: Yeah.
Diasta: We just performed “Heavy Rotation”, and also “Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara” in the middle. Haha.
Did your family ever say what they thought about your activities in JKT48?
We don’t talk too much about it. One exception is when I decided to graduate. We discussed it first.
What was their main worry about your activities in JKT48?
I was there just as a hobby, and being popular or not isn’t a guarantee that you can survive in showbiz. My family’s main worry is exactly that, so they often asked me to think about my career path.
Diasta and Changes
Were there changes after joining JKT48?
A lot of things. Showbiz isn’t something I consider as “normal”. Haha. It never crossed my mind that I would get involved in it. So, yeah, it was awesome.
Did you find anything shocking about JKT48’s system?
I was already used to watching Japanese idols, so it wasn’t that shocking to me. But, yeah, watching it on screen doesn’t compare to anything that you experience directly.
Did you gain any special experiences from JKT48?
Well… I think the answer from members and ex-members are the same. Haha. But maybe because I was so interested in Japanese idols, I felt really grateful since I could see them with my own eyes and experience their world behind the stage.
Did you develop any good habits in JKT48?
The good thing is that I learned how to be independent. I used to skip classes when I was tired. Haha. Because of JKT, I was more focused, disciplined, and more responsible as a person. So, yeah, I never stop doing things now when I’m focused.
What about bad habits?
I find it harder for me to socialize. So, yeah, my friends are those from JKT48 only. I’d love to make friends from outside the group, but there was a trust issue growing within me. I simply couldn’t trust my words with people anymore. Haha.
What were some activities that you had to stop after joining JKT48?
Well… Being a local underground idol. Hahaha.
Did you continue doing that after you graduated?
Yep. Hahaha.
You were going back and forth between Bandung and Jakarta when you were in JKT48.
Yes, almost every day. Haha.
You didn’t have any plans to live in Jakarta then?
Well… I just lived here (her apartment) temporarily. I already owned this one since before I joined JKT48.
Diasta and the Theater
What moments were the most memorable when performing at the theater?
The first day of every set list, since I was so nervous. Hahaha. Especially Renai Kinshi Jourei, since I was absent for a very long time. So, yeah, I tried to catch up on what the girls had learned before. One day, I also substituted for someone in the set list after being told the day before. Hahaha. I learned the movements during class.
What unit song did you like the most?
“Temodemo no Namida“. Haha. The one with Ghaida. Actually, they planned for me to be Melody’s backup in Temodemo, but because of some circumstances, they moved me to “Tenshi no Shippo“. So, yeah, I didn’t find it too much of a trouble when I had to perform it with Ghaida because I had already learned Temodemo.
Oh, I see! So that’s how it was!
Yes. We performed a lip-sync version of the song, which was recorded even before the Pajama Drive stage in Kuningan.
Whoa, that’s old.
Yeah, I was trying to keep myself from laughing. “My God. Is this how I sounded back then?” Hahaha. Man, why didn’t they re-record the song? Hahaha.
How did it feel to be in the same unit song as Ghaida?
Extremely happy. I didn’t get to sing in the same unit song as Ghaida very often, so I was very, very happy.
So you didn’t learn it for nothing.
Yes! Hahaha
What kind of place is the theater for you?
It’s like my own house, since I went there almost every day. So, yeah, it saddened me when I performed there the very last time. I could no longer enter there freely.
So members can enter the theater even if it doesn’t have anything to do with JKT48 activities?
Yeah, like any time. Even if you just want to use the place to sleep. Hahaha. Your second home.
What’s your view of the current and bigger JKT48?
They are awesome. Haha. I don’t know… Maybe because I saw their backs on the stage back then, but I couldn’t feel anything awesome. But now, when I see them on stage, their faces look so cool.
Diasta and Graduation
Do you still watch them at the theater after your graduation?
Once, when Stella graduated. I really would like to go there again, but I’m so busy.
You graduated along with Sonya, right?
Yes.
Did you plan it together, or was it a coincidence?
It was a coincidence. Haha. Before I graduated, I consulted it first with our manager. He explained that Sonya also had the same idea, so he asked me whether I was okay with a double graduation. Well, of course I was okay with it.
How did it feel when you decided to graduate?
It was hard. I wanted to graduate, but it was hard for me to leave them.
It was on your own accord, right?
Yes.
Do you miss anything from JKT48?
Everything! I miss the theater; I miss their songs. No matter how many times I perform on any other stage, it’s not the like the JKT48 Theater any more.
If you’re given a chance to join the group again, would you rejoin?
Without saying! Hahahaha.
Diasta and Experiences
What got you excited every time you performed?
First of all, the fans. Even though they weren’t many, they were always there for me, so I was really happy to meet them. I was actually even more excited that my fans weren’t many, because if I had many fans, I might have taken things for granted. Besides, I really love idols, so like, “Whoa! I’m in the same position as my idol!” Something like that. Hahaha.
Which shows did you perform in in Japan?
The Saitama Super Arena concert and Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Can you tell us more about your experience there?
I was thrilled! You can even say a little bit tacky. Hahaha.
And why is that?
Because I love Japanese idols! So I was like, “Kyaa! Kyaa!”
What was the saddest thing you ever experienced in JKT48?
I was involved the shooting of the “Kimi no Koto ga Suki Dakara” music video back then. That was my only appearance in a JKT48 music video.
Oh, right!
Yeah! That time, they decided to cancel the music video because one member decided to graduate abruptly. So, yeah, that was so sad…
Have you ever seen the final version?
No…
Diasta, Members, and Staff
How do you see members who were more popular than yourself?
My goal wasn’t to look for fans or popularity. In my case, it was just for self-satisfaction, so I don’t really think about it.
Do you also miss the staff?
I really miss them! I consider them as my own family. I used to see them every day. We were close; I really miss them.
Have you ever met up with them after your graduation?
Yeah, for lunch, with the staff who also graduated from JKT48. Hahaha.
Were you close with all of them?
I knew all of them, but I wasn’t close with everyone. I was close to those who worked in the theater, like the manager for example.
What do you think about Kinal as a Team J captain?
She was good. She knew when to get firm. For example, she could get angry and firm with us when we made mistakes, even to those who are older than her.
Do you still meet up with the current members and ex-members?
Not too often right now. They’re busy, too. We used to, though, with Ghaida and Melody too when they visited Bandung. Mova, as well.
Is Mova still in Bandung?
Yes, she is. We were planning to meet up a few weeks ago for lunch, but we had to postpone it because of traffic jam.
What is the main topic of discussion whenever you meet?
JKT. Hahaha. We only know that environment together, so, yeah… Haha.
Diasta and Fans
Are there still people who recognize you on the streets?
Not often. Usually only at certain events, and it’s usually just taking pictures together.
That’s in Jakarta?
Yes, Jakarta and Bandung. Fans outside of those cities are usually more excited when they recognize me. Haha.
Oh! Can you tell us more about it?
Sure! It was when I was going out of the city. There was a girl who recognized me, and her reaction really surprised me. I was so happy at that time. Haha.
When you were applying for work, did anyone recognize you?
Fortunately, no one. Hahaha.
Diasta, Anime, and Manga
What anime or manga do you like?
Just One Piece now. I knew so many when I was still in middle school.
What’s your favorite genre?
Anything shounen. I don’t like shoujo that much. Hahaha.
Why shounen?
Because shounen is cool and not that emo. Haha.
What about recent popular manga or anime, like Kuroko no Basket?
I don’t really like Kuroko. I used to, but not anymore.
Is there anything else that leaves an impression other than One Piece?
Hunter?Hunter and Fairy Tail.
If you get a chance to write for an anime, what would you write?
An adventure story just like One Piece!
Diasta and Cosplay
Which characters do like to cosplay as?
Now? Love Live!
Speaking of which, you also went to Nagoya thanks to cosplay, right?
Yes. They offered me a chance to sing after my appearance in Clas:H. I was also the emcee for Anime Festival Asia Indonesia (AFAID) last year.
Were there any differences between being on stage for AFAID and for JKT48?
Perhaps the main difference is how they handle the pressure. I really admired Johnny, the stage manager for AFAID, and Danny Choo. They’re firm but are also trained professionally to manage the pressure on the on-stage performers.
For example, there was some kind of trouble on stage at AFAID, and Jimmy stayed cool while he was looking for solution. He never once gave me, who was standing on the stage at that time, any kind of unneeded pressure.
In JKT48, things were more systematic, so everything had to work like a gear. If there was any sort of trouble, we had to think of the solution ourselves. So, yeah, maybe that’s why the pressure is higher in JKT48.
Would you like another chance at being an emcee for AFAID?
Of course!
Diasta and Idoling
Do you have any dreams of becoming an idol in Japan?
I did. Haha. You know how much I liked Japanese idols videos when I was in middle school, so, yeah, I had a dream of auditioning in Japan. I kept on practicing. That was all I knew at that time, so when I experienced it myself, it was kind of shocking.
Since you were interested in Japanese culture since middle school, did you also learn the language in middle school?
Yes.
Where did you learn it?
I took a course.
Was the local underground idol scene already active before JKT48?
Yeah, but it was limited since it was the era of bands. It felt like my group was alone back then. Haha.
Weren’t you also in a band?
Yeah, I was the vocalist. Actually, my previous idol group members were all band vocalists. We had a band that covered idol songs, such as Morning Musume, so I thought, “Why don’t we, the vocalists, create a group that covers idol songs?”
What is your view of the current emerging local idol groups?
It’s awesome, and I’m really proud of it.
What is the definition of idol material according to you?
They should have an appeal, not in terms of being beautiful, but something like a charm. It could from their dance style, singing style, or personality.
Diasta and Love Tune
What is the difference between an idol in the underground scene and being an idol in JKT48?
The workflow is different. I do things on my own now, while in JKT48 everything is being taken care professionally. The responsibilities are also bigger in JKT48.
Do you have any plans to rejoin you old group?
No, they’re already busy with work. That’s why now I go with another group, Love Tune.
Can you tell us how you created that group?
I called the members one by one. Haha.
They were your acquaintances?
Yes, I met them through cosplay events.
Do you prefer your activities now or when you were in JKT48?
Now. Even if it’s just a small group, we arrange the workflow ourselves by mutual decisions. Besides, we’re not aiming too high. This is just as a hobby, just for having fun.
Do you have any plans to release your own single?
Currently, it’s just a cover group. We haven’t thought about it, though. Let’s just wait and see.
You made your own costumes?
Yes, we designed and made them ourselves.
Do the local idol groups often have some sort of get-together?
Since I’m starting from scratch again, there aren’t that many that I know personally. I only got to know some of them at an event some time ago.
Do you also cover anime songs?
My band did. Not so often now.
Have you though about Love Tune covering songs from IDOLM@STER?
We’d love to. I heard some of their songs, and they kind of interest me.
Diasta and Architecture
So now you prefer a career in architecture?
Yes, correct.
Do you have any ambitions as an architect?
Not really. It’s true that I would love to open my own firm, but my current aim is to be able to build homes for the people.
Which building design you think is the best in Jakarta or Bandung?
I like the high-rise buildings in Jakarta, especially around Thamrin. As for Bandung, I really like the old colonial buildings. But to be honest, I prefer Surabaya for the architectural design of its buildings.
Diasta and the Future
Do you have any plans for 2015?
For now, just as a Clas:H ambassador, like last year.
What about Love Tune?
We’re featured on an online streaming service, and we’re also promoting a food stall. Hopefully we will get more opportunities this year.
Can you tell us more about this year’s Clas:H?
Just like last year, it’s a five-city tour. We’re also planning to promote a Japanese idol group called Pink Babies. Be sure not to miss it, okay?
Sudah lebih dari setahun sejak kami bertemu terakhir kalinya di acara fan gathering informal setelah ia meninggalkan JKT48. Terakhir kali bertemu, dia baru saja kembali ke kehidupan normalnya sebagai mahasiswi. Namun, dalam beberapa bulan terkahir, dia kembali aktif di skena kultur Jepang di Indonesia. Diasta telah kembali ke akarnya sebagai penggemar idola Jepang, Anime, dan Cosplay, dimana dia juga telah menemukan pendukung baru ataupun lama.
Selain melanjutkan penampilannya di publik, Diasta juga akhir-akhir ini memulai karirnya sebagai arsitek. Walaupun cukup sibuk dengan jadwalnya yang padat, kami berhasil menemui Diasta di Jakarta pada akhir minggu beberapa saat yang lalu untuk berbicara mengenai rencananya dimasa depan.
Halo Diasta
Halooo
Sekarang sudah 3 tahun sejak masuk JKT dahulu ya.
Oh ya?
Darimana asalnya nickname “Nyash”?
Ga tau, udah lama banget soalnya hahahaha. Dari SMP kalau ga salah, temen-temen aku suka manggilnya gitu haha.
Oh berarti Nickname itu asalanya bukan dari JKT48 ya?
Bukan.
Jika Diasta bisa membandingkan diri Diasta dengan alat musik, Diasta adalah alat musik apa?
Piano.
Kenapa?
Karena aku bisa main piano hahahahha.
Pernah resital Piano?
Pernah, jadi karena aku ikut les jadi setahun sekali ikutan resitalnya.
Bagaimana dengan acara lain yang di depan publik?
Waktu di JKT48 pernah kok. Pas acara semacam talent show gitu.
Diasta dan Audisi
Cerita masuk ke JKT bagaimana?
Tahu dari temen. Beberapa temen lain tahunya itu casting dan bukan audisi. Kalau aku malah taunya itu bener2 audisi. Karena aku juga tahu AKB ya jadi memang tertarik.
Dari mulai audisi sampai pengumumannya berapa lama ya waktu itu?
Sekitar 3 bulanan.
JKT48 itu audisi pertama Diasta?
Iya.
Bagaimana pengalaman waktu audisi?
Waktu audisi pertama itu di taman haha. Sebenarnya aku itu audisinya udah telat. Dan waktu itu audisi pertamanya juga ga heboh-heboh banget. Kaya cuma take video dsbnya.
Audisi Telat?
Ya. Jadinya waktu itu memang telat dan memang ga terlalu berharap banyak banget karena sudah telat. Kata temen aku orang JKTnya mau datang kesini (Bandung) untuk take video kita.
Loh, langsung ke Bandung?
Iya, ga tau juga kenapa. Mungkin waktu itu yang ikut audisi kurang begitu banyak karena masih benar-benar sedikit yang tahu.
Setelah itu?
Setelah take video kita juga tidak ada kabar dalam waktu yang cukup lama, sebulanan kali ya. Aku juga udah sampai lupa kalau aku pernah ikut audisi hahahah
Haaa?
Hahahaha iya, jadi memang waktu itu aku juga udah sempat lupa pernah ikut audisi. Ingatnya waktu tiba-tiba di-SMS lolos ke tahap kedua haha.
Setelah itu dipanggil ke Jakarta?
Iya, dipanggil langsung ke Jakarta. Hari Minggu. Kebetulan hari Sabtu juga ada acara keluarga di Jakarta.
Reaksi orang tua?
Waktu audisi pertama aku ga bilang-bilang ke orang tua hahaha. Jadi waktu mau audisi ke dua itu aku mikir, kalau ga bilang-bilang juga bakalan ga lolos nih audisi kedua, ga bisa kabur juga sih haha.
Jadi akhirnya laporan dong ya?
Iya, akhirnya bilang ke orang tua kalau aku besok ada audisi di Jakarta. Kan ke Jakarta ya sekalian aja. Tapi waktu itu orang tua bilang pagi-paginya udah mau pulang, jadinya ga usah aja deh. Aku juga mikirnya ya udah deh ga apa-apa.
Lalu akhirnya diberi izin juga kan ya ke audisinya?
Iya. Ternyata pas hari Minggunya pulangnya diubah rencananya jadi sore. Ya udah, kesempatan deh haha.
Ada pesan dari orang tua waktu itu?
“Jangan lama-lama ya,” Hahahaha.
Apa saja yang dilakukan di audisi kedua tersebut?
Disuruh nyanyi, disuruh nari. Deg-degan haha.
Audisi gabungan?
Iya, aku ketemu Ghaida tuh disitu hahaha
Sudah kenal dengan Ghaida sebelumnya?
Belum. Jadi sebelumnya aku memang sudah kenal sama kakaknya Ghaida. Nah, pas masuk ke tempat audisi aku ketemu kakaknya Ghaida. “Loh kok ada kamu??” hahaha
Kakaknya Ghaida juga ikutan audisi?
Engga, dia nemenin Ghaidanya. Disitu aku dikenalin ke Ghaida.
Pengumuman untuk audisi ke tiga langsung diumumkan saat itu juga atau menunggu lagi?
Menunggu lagi.
Lupa lagi dong?
Iya, hahahaha
Kemudian?
Akhirnya lolos lagi, lalu disuruh datang lagi untuk training. Seminggu empat kali kalau ga salah. Cukup berat karena waktu itu juga masih kuliah. Tapi karena jadwal trainingnya ada yang di hari Jum’at, Sabtu, Minggu, ya ga masalah.
Bagaimana dengan audisi Final?
Nah! Itu aku pas UAS, hahaha. Aku mikirnya pertama ya udahan aja deh audisinya. Mulai galau haha.
Saat itu Diasta sudah mulai sadar kalau akan ada konflik di jadwal jika lolos?
Iya. Dan akhirnya waktu itu akhirnya memilih berkorban untuk audisi Final. Ngulang semester dua deh hahaha.
Wah, apa tidak sayang harus mengulang kembali semester dua?
Aku itu gimana ya, awalnya cuma iseng, tapi pas audisi final kok malah jadi serius hahaha.
Diasta dan Keluarga
Bagaimana dengan dukungan keluarga untuk kegiatan idoling Diasta?
Dulunya engga dukung, tapi lama-lama kok seperti mendukung, kaya mau dianterin ke Jakarta dsbnya. Contoh lain misalnya kalau aku ga perform trus ada JKT di TV, malah orang tua yang semangat nonton haha.
Sekarang orang tua masih semangat kalau ada JKT48 di TV?
Masih, hahahaha. Kan kemarin ada konser yang barengan AKB48 kan ya, orang tua malah yang duluan ngajakin nonton hahaha. Sayang udah ga kebagian tiket.
(Diasta tiba-tiba balik bertanya)
Diasta: Dulu waktu yang pertama kali AKB48 konser bareng JKT48 nonton?
JKT48Stuff: Iya
Diasta: Hihi, waktu itu kita cuma satu lagu sama Kimi Suki ditengah-tengah haha.
Keluarga pernah mengutarakan pendapat mereka tentang kegiatan Diasta di JKT48?
Sebenarnya ga terlalu banyak ngobrol sih, paling cuma pas mau graduate kita ada diskusi bareng dulu.
Apa kekhawatiran utama dari keluarga tentang kegiatan Diasta di JKT48?
Aku kan di JKT48 hanya untuk hobi, jadi sebenarnya menurut aku mau populer ataupun tidak, tidak ada jaminan akan terus menjanjikan di dunia entertainment. Keluarga khawatirnya disitu, jadi sering diminta untuk dipikirkan kembali untuk career pathnya.
Diasta dan Perubahan
Apakah ada yang berubah setelah dahulu masuk JKT48?
Banyak ya. Dunia entertainment itu menurut aku bukan sesuatu yang bisa dibilang normal haha. Dan aku sebenarnya juga ga ada pemikiran mau kesitu. Jadi ya, wow banget rasanya.
Apakah Diasta kaget dengan sistem kerja JKT48?
Sebetulnya karena aku udah terbiasa melihat idol-idol Jepang, jadinya aku ga terlalu kaget dengan sistemnya. Cuma ya itu, kalau udah ngerasain langsung baru kerasa berat banget haha.
Pengalaman apa yang didapatkan di JKT48?
Ya..standar mungkin ya seperti jawaban member atau ex-member lainnya haha. Tapi karena mungkin aku itu dulu sangat ingin terlibat dan tertarik dengan dunia idol Jepang, jadinya aku merasa bersyukur karena bisa melihat mereka secara langsung dan mengalami dunia belakang panggungnya.
Ada kebiasaan baik dan buruk yang berkembang ketika di JKT48?
Bagusnya sih jadi ga manja. Kalau dulu biasanya suka bolos kuliah kalau capek haha. Kalau sekarang aku jadi lebih fokus, displin, dan bertanggung jawab. Jadi kalau sudah mengerjakan sesuatu tidak bisa pernah berhenti.
Kalau kebiasaan buruk?
Jadi sulit bersosialisasi. Jadi temen-temen aku itu ya yang di JKT48 saja, mau berteman dengan teman di luar JKT48, jadi seperti ada trust issue. Takutnya ember gitu haha.
Kegiatan apa yang dahulu Diasta sering lakukan tapi terpaksa dihentikan setelah bergabung dengan JKT48?
Yaa..idol underground lokal aja hahaha.
Setelah keluar dari JKT48 apakah dilanjutkan kembali?
Iya haha.
Sewaktu di JKT48 dulu pulang pergi Bandung-Jakarta ya?
Iya. Hampir setiap hari haha.
Apakah tidak ada terpikir untuk kos dan transfer Universitas di Jakarta?
Yaa…palingan tinggal sementara disini (Apartemen) aja. Sudah punya apartemen disini sebelum bergabung dengan JKT48.
Diasta dan Teater
Yang paling berkesan waktu perfrom di teater?
Hari pertamanya setlist karena deg degan hahaha. Apalagi pas Shonichi RKJ karena dulu aku sempat vakum. Jadinya aku ngejar sendiri sementara yang lainnya udah bisa. Pernah juga satu kali aku gantiin posisi orang lain di setlist dan itu aku dikasih tahunya satu hari sebelumnya haha. Akhirnya sambil kuliah sambil baca blocking.
Unit song yang paling disuka?
Temo Demo no Namida haha. Yang waktu itu bareng Ghaida. Jadi sebelumnya aku di plot untuk jadi backup Melody di Temo Demo, tapi akhirnya dipindah ke Tenshi no Shippo, jadinya karena udah pernah latihan jadinya ga terlalu susah ngejarnya pas perform terakhir itu.
Oh! Ternyata di plot di Temo Demo no Namida ya dahulu?
Iya. Nah pas konser itu kan lipsync ya, itu aku takenya justru pas sebelum Pajama Drive yang di Kuningan.
Wah sudah lama sekali berarti.
Iya. Jadinya malah geli karena ya ampun, ini suara jaman kapan ini hahaha. Aduuuh kenapa ga ditake ulang sih? hahaha.
Bagaimana rasanya akhirnya di unit song yang sama dengan Ghaida?
Ya seneng banget. Karena kan aku jarang banget dama unit yang sama dengan Ghaida, nah ini dapatnya berdua aja lagi. Jadinya ya seneng banget.
Ga sia-sia dong belajar Temo Demo no Namidanya dulu.
Iya! Hahahaha
Tempat seperti apa teater itu menurut Diasta?
Sebenarnya karena tiap hari kesana jadi kaya rumah sendiri. Jadinya pas dulu terakhir kali tampil itu jadi sedih, ga bisa masuk lagi sebebas dulu.
Dulu berarti bisa masuk walaupun sedang tidak ada kepentingan tertentu untuk JKT?
Iya, dulu bisa masuk kapan aja. Bahkan untuk tidur aja juga boleh hahaha, ya kaya rumah sendirilah.
Bagaimana pandangan Diasta mengenai JKT48 sekarang yang udah semakin besar?
Keren banget, Haha. Ga tau ya, dulu kan karena ngeliatnya dari dalam jadi ga kerasa. Tapi sekarang setelah bisa melihat dari luar, kerasa banget kerennya.
Diasta dan Kelulusan
Setelah graduate tapi sempat menonton kan ya?
Iya, cuma sekali, pas graduatenya Stella. Mau dateng lagi tapi sibuk terus.
Dulu sewaktu Diasta graduate barengan dengan Sonya kan ya?
Iya.
Itu memang kalian rencanakan berdua barengan atau tidak?
Kebetulan haha. Jadi sebelum graduate kan konsultasi dahulu dengan manajer kita, disitu dijelaskan kalau Sonya memang juga mau graduate, apa tidak keberatan kalau dibarengin aja? Ya aku ga keberatan, dibarengin aja.
Bagaimana perasaan Diasta saat memutuskan graduate?
Berat banget, pengen tapi sulit ninggalin.
Atas kemauan sendiri?
Iya.
Yang paling dirindukan tentang JKT?
Semuanya! Kangen masuk teater lagi, kangen perform lagu-lagu JKT lagi. Gimana pun juga, walaupun aku sekarang masih sering manggung, tapi ga manggung di teater lagi.
Kalau seandainya diberi kesempatan untuk masuk JKT48 lagi, Diasta mau?
Mau! Hahahaha.
Diasta dan Pengalaman
Apa yang membuat Diasta bersemangat setiap kali perform?
Pertama fans, karena walaupun ga banyak tapi pada nungguin. Jadinya seneng banget ketemu fans. Justru karena sedikit itu jadi makin semangat, karena kalau banyak mungkin malah taking things for granted ya. Selain itu aku kan memang suka ngaidol haha, jadi kaya waah aku di tempat yang sama nih sama idolaku yang itu, hahaha.
Diasta dulu perform di Jepang di acara apa saja?
Di Saitama Super Arena dan Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Bisa diceritakan pengalamannya?
Seneng banget! Malah bisa dibilang rada norak hahaha.
Kenapa norak?
Kan aku suka banget sama idol-idol Jepang, jadinya ya gitu “Kyaa! Kyaa!”
Pengalaman yang membuat Diasta sedih di JKT48?
Jadi waktu itu kan pernah syuting Kimi Suki ya dan aku ikutan di syuting itu. Jadi itu satu-satunya video klip JKT48 yang ada akunya.
Ooooh ya ya ya!
Iya! Jadi itu video klipnya ga jadi dilaunch karena ada salah satu member yang keluar. Jadi ya begitu, sedih banget…
Diasta pernah lihat hasil akhir video klipnya?
Belum…..
Diasta, Member, dan Staff
Bagaimana pandangan Diasta mengenai member lain yang boleh dikatakan lebih populer?
Kalau aku sih tidak bertujuan untuk mencari fans atau popularitas ya, lebih pada kepuasan diri sendiri haha. Jadi ya ga terlalu dipikirin.
Apakah Diasta juga kangen dengan staff JKT48?
Banget! Soalnya kan udah kaya keluarga. Udah biasa ketemu tiap hari, deket, jadinya kanget banget.
Pernah bertemu dengan staff setelah graduate?
Pernah, makan siang. Barengan dengan staff-staff yang udah graduate dari JKT48 juga hahahaha.
Diasta dekat dengan seluruh staff saat itu?
Kenal tapi ga secara dekat. Aku tahu dan dekatnya ya dengan yang di teater aja, kaya manajer misalnya.
Menurut Diasta, bagaimana kinerja Kinal sebagai kaptem tim J?
Kinal oke kok. Dia bisa marah dan tegas. Jadi kalau misalnya kita ada kekurangan dimana, dia bisa marah dan tegasin kita, bahkan ke yang lebih tua.
Masih sering berkumpul dengan member baik yang sudah graduate atau belum?
Sekarang sudah jarang karena mereka juga udah pada sibuk. Tapi dulu cukup sering kok, jalan bareng Ghaida, ketemu Melody juga kalau sedang ke Bandung. Sama Mova juga.
Mova masih di Bandung?
Iya, masih. Beberapa waktu lalu sempat mau ketemuan sih, makan-makan yuk dimana gitu haha, tapi sayang jalanan macet banget jadinya ditunda deh.
Biasanya ngobrol apa aja kalau ketemu?
Ngobrol JKT sih haha. Soalnya kita taunya ya di lingkungan itu-itu aja haha.
Diasta dan Fans
Apakah sekarang masih banyak yang mengenali Diasta di jalan?
Engga kok, biasanya yang ngenalin kalau lagi di acara-acara tertentu aja. Itu juga ga heboh heboh amat kok, paling cuma foto-foto aja.
Itu di Jakarta?
Iya, di Jakarta atau Bandung. Kalau di luar Jakarta-Bandung, mungkin karena memang jarang bisa ketemu, biasanya lebih rame kalau ada yang ngenalin hehe.
Oh, ada yang berkesan saat ada fans di luar kota mengenali Diasta saat sudah graduate?
Ada! Jadi ada waktu itu pas memang lagi keluar kota. Ada fans wanita yang ngenalin aku dan reaksinya bener-bener bikin aku terkejut dan happy banget haha.
Nah, waktu melamar kerja di kantor, ada yang mengenali Diasta?
Syukurnya ga ada yang tahu hahahaha.
Diasta, Anime, dan Manga
Diasta suka anime atau manga apa saja?
Kalau sekarang tinggal One Piece hahaha. Kalau sewaktu SMP sih banyak banget, sampai yang ga jelas juga tahu hahah.
Genre kesukaan Diasta?
Apapun yang Shounen, kurang begitu suka Shoujo malah hahaha.
Kenapa Shounen?
Karena cool dan ga lebay hahaha.
Bagaimana dengan yang akhir-akhir ini populer seperti misalnya, Kuroko no Basket?
Kurang begitu suka Kuroko sih. Musimanlah, dulu sempat suka tapi akhir-akhir ini malah kurang.
Yang berkesan selain One Piece?
HunterxHunter, Fairy Tail.
Kalau misalnya dapat kesempatan untuk menulis sebuah Anime, apa yang ingin ditulis?
Petualangan kaya One Piece!
Diasta dan Cosplay
Karakter mana yang dipilih untuk Cosplay?
Mmm kalau sekarang sih “Love Live!”
Ngomong-ngomong Cosplay, dulu sempat ke Nagoya ya karena Cosplay?
Iya. Ditawarin setelah Clas:H waktu itu, diminta untuk bernyanyi. Pernah juga dimina untuk jadi MC di AFAID.
Bagaimana perbedaan saat diatas panggung di AFAID dan saat ketika diatas panggung di JKT48?
Perbedaannya mungkin cara mereka handle pressure ya. Di AFAID aku benar-benar salut dengan Johnny, stage managernya, dan juga dengan Danny Choo. Mereka tegas dan displin, tapi juga benar-benar terlatih dalam menghandle pressure performer diatas panggung.
Jadi misalnya saat itu ketika sedang ada trouble di atas panggung, Stage Manager di AFAIDnya santai sambil terus mencari solusi tanpa memberikan pressure ke aku yang saat itu diatas Panggung.
Kalau di JKT48 lebih skematis mungkin ya, jadi semuanya harus berjalan sesuai dengan rencana dan kalau ada trouble harus dipikirin sendiri solusinya. Jadi mungkin karena itu, pressurenya lebih gede di JKT48.
Mau lagi dapat kesempatan untuk mengisi di AFA?
Mau banget!
Diasta dan Idoling
Apakah dahulu ada cita-cita untuk menjadi idol di Jepang?
Ada, haha. Jadi waktu SMP kan aku senang banget dengan video-video idol Jepang, jadi dulu cita-citanya mau audisi di Jepang. Sedari SMP sudah coba-coba latihan-latihan. Aku tahunya sampai situ, namun setelah sudah masuk dunianya baru kerasa agak kaget.
Jadi Diasta sudah tertarik dengan kebudayaan Jepang sedari SMP. Belajar Bahasa Jepangnya juga sedari SMP?
Iya.
Belajar Bahasa Jepangnya dimana?
Sewaktu itu ikut kursus.
Apakah scene Idol lokal underground sudah ada sebelum JKT48?
Ada, haha. Tapi sedikit sekali karena dahulu itu memang jamannya band. Malah terasanya selain group aku ga ada group lain lagi haha.
Bukannya Diasta dahulu vokalis band juga?
Iya, dulu vokalis band. Sebenarnya idol lokal aku dulu itu semuanya vokalis band. Dulu kita ada band-band yang coverin lagu-lagu idol, seperti misalnya Morning Musume. Terus kepikiran aja, yuk kita para vokalis bandnya bikin cover idol yuk.
Bagaimana pandangan Diasta tentang maraknya kemunculan idol group local saat ini?
Seru dan bangga banget.
Menurut Diasta, yang idol material itu yang seperti apa?
Yang menarik ya, bukan cantik tapi punya charm. Mungkin dari gaya menarinya, gaya menyanyi, atau personality nya.
Diasta dan Love Tune
Apa perbedaan yang paling mencolok ketika menjadi idol di scene underground dengan menjadi idol di JKT48?
Dari sistem kerjanya sudah jelas berbeda. Kalau sekarang semua diurus sendiri, kalau di JKT48 semuanya diurus secara profesional. Tanggung jawab yang diemban di JKT48 juga lebih besar tentunya.
Ada rencana untuk bergabung kembali dengan grup yang lama?
Udah pada mencar-mencar, udah pada kerja haha. Makanya sekarang bentuk grup baru lagi, Love Tune.
Kalau untuk Love Tune sendiri bagaimana terbentuknya?
Aku calling-calling mereka sih haha.
Kenalan Diasta langsung?
Iya, kenal dari event-event Cosplay.
Lebih suka sekarang atau ketika di JKT48?
Lebih suka sekarang karena walaupun kecil aku dan teman-teman bisa ngatur sendiri sistem kerja grup dengan keputusan bersama. Lagipula kita ga punya ambisi berlebih kok, kita cuma hobi aja. Emang untuk having fun aja.
Ada niatan untuk rilis single sendiri?
Sekarang sih masih cover grup dan kita juga belum kepikiran untuk bikin single sendiri. Tergantung respon orang-orang juga.
Untuk kostum dibuat sendiri?
Iya, dibuat dan desain sendiri.
Untuk sesama grup lokal lainnya apakah sering berkumpul?
Aku sebenarnya karena baru mulai lagi dan temen2 yang dahulu sudah pada kerja, jadinya sekarang kurang begitu kenal dengan yang lain haha. Baru beberapa saat lalu pas event kenalan.
Apakah Diasta grupnya juga mengcover lagu Anime?
Dulu ya, waktu masih ngeband. Kalau sekarang udah jarang.
Bagaimana jika Love Tune mengcover IdolM@ster?
Mau coba sih, udah sempet dengar beberapa lagu dan menarik.
Diasta dan Arsitektur
Sekarang Diasta berarti lebih memilih untuk berkarir di dunia arsitektur?
Iya, benar.
Apakah ada ambisi tertentu sebagai arsitek?
Aku ga berani terlalu muluk-muluk. Memang nanti suatu saat aku mau buka usaha sendiri ya, tapi saat ini tujuan utama aku adalah untuk bisa membangun rumah-rumah penduduk.
Kalau dari sisi arsitektur, gedung di Jakarta atau Bandung yang paling menarik apa?
Kalau di Jakarta aku suka gedung-gedung high risenya di daerah Thamrin. Kalau di Bandung aku sukanya justru yang peninggalan jaman lamanya. Sebenarnya kalau di Indonesia aku lebih suka arsitektur gedung-gedung di Surabaya sih.
Diasta dan Masa Depan
Ada rencana tertentu di tahun 2015 ini?
Yang terdekat Clas:H ya, seperti tahun lalu, jadi ambassadornya.
Bagaimana dengan Love Tune?
Kita pernah tampil di sebuah layanan streaming online dan juga mempromosikan sebuah food stall. Jadi mudah-mudahan datang lagi tawaran di tahun 2015 ini.
Bagaimana dengan kegiatan Clas:H di tahun 2015 nanti?
Seperti tahun lalu ya, aku akan tour keliling 5 kota. Direncanakan sih akan mempromosikan group Idol dari Jepang yang bernama Pink Babies. Nonton ya!
English Translation by Angga
English QC by RHKilis
Interview conducted by RHKilis
Photos by Pitra
Thanks a lot guys
Only God knows how much i miss her