5 Facts About Sarah, Eross Candra's Wife, Growing Up in Indonesia Despite Having French Blood

Kapanlagi.com - Unlike most other artists, Eross Candra, the guitarist of Sheila On 7, tends to never expose his personal life. As is known, this Yogyakarta native married a French woman named Sarah Diorita, who is now affectionately called Sarah Candra, on September 24, 2009.

During their decade-long marriage, Eross and Sarah's household has been peaceful and far from the spotlight. Not many know about the details of Eross' wife, considering that Sarah has rarely been exposed.

However, in one of her recent posts, Sarah shared about her life since childhood while living in Indonesia..

1. Sarah's Childhood

credit: instagram.com/sarahcandra

Although having a French mother, Sarah spent most of her life in Indonesia. Since she was young, this single mother has learned many things about various Indonesian cultures and traditions, especially Javanese.

"Born and raised (mostly) in Indonesia, even though I was raised by my French mother. I am very grateful that she ensured to give me a very Indonesian life. Growing up in a village environment, playing and participating in village activities (August competition, playing in the rice fields, going to the local school by regular becak, wandering around the village until evening, dancing Javanese, living in a community, and always being invited to see and participate in Indonesian culture (especially Javanese). She is the one who may have somewhat nurtured my love for Indonesia," Sarah recalled in the caption of her post.

2. 100% Indonesian and 100% French

Although accustomed to living very Indonesian, Sarah is also accustomed to learning the culture of her original country, France. Therefore, Sarah grew up learning two cultures at once.

"She always tries to make sure that I live as Indonesian as possible while still having a strong and rooted French culture. She always says, 'you are not 1/2 Indonesian 1/2 French. You are 100% Indonesian and 100% French'," she added.

3. The Struggles of Being a Mixed-Race Person in Indonesia

credit: instagram.com/sarahcandra

As a mixed-race person, Sarah has also experienced many struggles during her life in Indonesia. However, all the ups and downs she has experienced have become beautiful memories that will never be forgotten.

"Maybe people think it's great to be 'mixed-race' (I hate this word BTW and 'londo' too, because I'm not Dutch and it sounds very colonial), but it's not that easy. There are always moments where I am not fully accepted, there is always something different that sometimes makes me not 'the same' as others. I always try to adapt myself all the time. It's not just about different countries, even different islands or regions in Indonesia are not easy," Sarah explained.

4. Proud to be Indonesian

Sarah is very impressed with the tradition of mutual cooperation implemented in Indonesia. She also praises the natural wealth that exists here, and that should be something we should all be proud of.

"But I am very grateful to be able to experience something different (other countries and cultures), so I can say that I am very proud to be Indonesian. Indonesia is very rich, I think we often forget, we are rich, everything grows here, very diverse and comfortable to live in. We don't need fancy things to survive here, as long as mutual cooperation (this is very special) continues, we know that we are always there for each other," she explained.

5. Memories with Friends

credit: instagram.com/sarahcandra

In her post, Sarah shared a childhood photo of herself with her friend. She also briefly talked about her friend who is of French descent.

"By the way, this is a photo with my childhood friend (our mothers are friends) who used to come to Indonesia for vacation every year and we did fun things together, from vacationing in Gili Nanggu to buying ducks at Pasar Ngasem and raising them at home. And she is the one who drew/designed the Lokaloka logo (by hand) when I created Lokaloka (back in 2013). Because she is a designer, I immediately knew that she was the most suitable person who understood my intentions, goals, and dreams. She is a friend who sees me as very Indonesian and also very French. Love her," Sarah concluded.

(kpl/mae)