Ammar Zoni is well known for his role in the #1 rated television drama series Anak Langit, which screens daily on SCTV, and also for his skills in silat. He spoke with MyLombok about his career and his most recent visits to Lombok.

Ammar and a group of other actors spent several days visiting some of the areas that had been most affected by the earthquakes. They brought donations from Jakarta, but their main focus was on helping the children deal with the trauma. They visited Pemenang, Genggelang area, Sambelia, and a number of villages in West and Central Lombok.

Let’s talk about your career now. How did you first get involved in acting?

My mother always wanted me to be a star. When I was a kid I was always showing off – always acting. I studied for two years, at SMA thenat SAS Jakarta.

One day I went to a casting with a friend, and met the producer. He asked ‘Can you act?’ and I said yes. I performed a monologue and he liked it. He gave me a role. I couldn’t believe it. I thought I was dreaming.

You often combine acting with your love for silat?

Yes. I am proud of my Indonesian culture. Silat is a traditional form of martial arts. I’ve been doing it since 2009. My father and grandfather performed silat so I followed them. I have also represented Indonesia in various competitions. Iwon a bronze medal in theinternational silatevent in Brunei.

My roles mainly involve action fighting. Young people are not always interested in practisingsilat – they think it is old fashioned.Through movies, I can show them the skillsand why they should practise them. It’s a way of being proud of their culture.

What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?

My favourite TV character is Raju Longi, one of the 7 Human Tigers, which was a successful program that rated #1 on Indonesian TV.

Then there was Zero To Hero, the first short movie I produced myself. I wanted to build my career as an actor. After along time playing the same character,I felt my career was becoming stagnant, so I had an idea for a film showing how you can go from ‘zero to hero’.I was the producer, screenwriter, and the main character. Itwas a healingtherapy for me, and a chance to introduce people to silat.

Any not so good moments?

After ‘Human Tigers’ my producer wanted me to play a completely different character – a funny man. I didn’t want it. How could I play the big strong human tiger, and then play a funny man? But I learned that when you act it’s like an artist drawing on paper. It was just a character  – not me. We have to accept different characters. It was a good learning experience.

Have you been inspired or influenced by anyone in particular?

My role model is Rizim Hakin, who is like my second mother. She has won many awards in the industry. She has taught me and inspired me. She always says, ‘If you act, don’t act. Just be yourself’.

What do you like best about your work?

Well, I like being famous – but in a positive way. I have also won various awards, which is good.

Working as an actor alsolets me spread awareness and inspire people about silat

And what are some of the most difficult aspects?

Fighting against your ego can be difficult…and being a public figure. Wherever you go, people know who you are, and you always have to look happy, even if you aren’t. But that’s part of the job.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I’d like to be like Iko Uwais.He is my silat teacher, and one of the few Asian actors to become famous in Hollywood. If he can do it why can’t I? I need to concentrate on improvingmy English – and then,who knows, maybe one day you will see me in Hollywood.

What would you say to young people who would like to make a career in acting?

You have to do something that other people rarely do. You need to show what is special in you. Just be you, believe in your dream, and ‘believe in God to make it happen’ and you can do it!

You have been to Lombok before?

Yes,I came to Lombok a few times, on holiday.I love it and feel like it is my second home after Jakarta. We went diving, and surfing at Selong Belanak, visited Benang Stokel, Kelembu and Tiu Kelep waterfalls. We met the local Sasak people in Sade Village.I thought Bukit Merese was so beautiful. It was a great experience. As they say, ‘Maybe God was smiling when he created this island’.

On this latest trip,weexperienced something different.We visited people, and encouraged fundraising. The kids, especially, were happy to meet some of their favourite actors;we hope theywere motivated and inspired.

Our main message to the people affected by the earthquakesis:’Stay safe, stay strong, and get up again,ready to start a new life’.

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