After 9 Years, Judika Becomes a Father Again: It Feels Like Learning from Scratch Again

"Yes, that's it. After 9 years without a child, taking care of a baby again. It's like learning from the beginning," said Judika when met in the Senayan area, Central Jakarta, on Monday (4/7/2025).

Not only taking care of, Duma Riris's husband is also actively involved in caring for their child. Although he admits to being quite tired, he still enjoys every moment with his youngest son, including when he has to carry the baby who already weighs almost 9 kilograms.

"Because this is Juandeo, our child, taking care of him is getting quite heavy, now at just 4 months he is already 8.8. We just had a vaccination, he is already 8.8 kilos. And when carried, he prefers to be in front, so for a few minutes it feels like we are also working out, I don't even realize the sweat is flowing," he said.  

In daily life, Judika also shares roles with his wife. Although he realizes that his wife is on duty more often due to exclusive breastfeeding, he does not hesitate to take over when Duma needs time for herself.

"So it's actually a bit more tiring for the mom, but the dad is just on standby to help if she gets tired, she wants some me-time, then it's the dad's turn to carry the baby," said the father of three children.

Experiencing parenthood for the third time has made Judika more aware of the importance of quality time with family. He intentionally arranges his work schedule so that it does not clash with his children's holiday time, so he can be involved in the baby's growth and development.

"Because for us, for me, family has always been a priority. Work is important, but if the family is not taken care of or there is no time for family, then we don't want that," he said.

Not only that, Judika and Duma are also very selective in choosing vacation destinations. This time, they prioritize places that are quiet, cool, and far from the crowds so that the baby can be more comfortable. Their choice fell on hotels in the middle of the forest in Bandung and Lombok.

"So we wanted to go to Bandung at that time, indeed in the forest, the hotel is in the forest, right in the middle of the forest. So we get the morning air, the warmth of the sun, good air as well, and we can have family time," said the man born in Sidikalang.

Traveling with a baby also presents its own challenges, including when having to fly. Judika even chose business class for more comfort for his child and wife.   "The first time we didn’t know how Juandeo would react to the air inside the plane. But the mother is quite skilled, she breastfeeds while the father closes the curtain to make it comfortable," he shared.