[EXCLUSIVE] News about Kia AFI in America and Involvement in the LGBT Parade

Kapanlagi.com - Although decades have passed, the finalists of the talent search event, Akademi Fantasi Indosiar (AFI), still remain in the memory and hearts of the Indonesian public. Including Petrus Kia Suban, who successfully won the runner-up title in the first season of AFI.

Shortly after graduating from the event that brought his name to fame, Kia chose to take a break from the entertainment industry. It was not without reason, as the Jakarta-born man decided to continue his college education in America. Gradually, he disappeared from the spotlight.

Recently, in early June 2021, Kia's name suddenly became the talk of the town again. The reason was because the man who was studying at the University of the District of Columbia was caught participating in the LGBT parade as a form of support for Pride Month.

In line with that, KapanLagi.com immediately contacted Kia exclusively for a casual conversation. Various topics and interesting facts were revealed by Kia in the direct message conversation on Instagram.

For those of you who miss Kia AFI and are curious about his news in America, check out the complete conversation with KapanLagi.com below..

1. Kabar Kia AFI

credit: instagram.com/kia_suban

Q: How is Kia doing in America? I hope she's always healthy. Can I know what she's busy with there?
I'm doing well here. Besides work, I also teach for Indonesian Kids Performing Arts (IKPA). They are children aged 5-13 years old who were born in America or born in Indonesia but grew up here (America). I teach them to have a deeper understanding of Indonesia and be proud to be Indonesian. The Indonesian culture that I teach includes folklore, local and national songs, national history, regional dances, and more.

Q: Kia is studying at the University of the District of Columbia, Theater of the Arts. And in some posts, she can be seen performing. Does Kia plan to become an actor in the future?
Definitely, that's my dream to become a Broadway actor. Please pray for me and wait for the show dates.

2. Nostalgia About AFI Friends

Q: Kia also seems to still be active with AFI 1 alumni. What is Kia's busy schedule like in America for singing?
Thank God, I have performed several times in the 'Made In Indonesia' event in Silver Spring, Maryland. I performed at the Indonesian Embassy and Consulate General in Washington D.C. and New York. I also participated in singing and dancing performances with Saung Budaya in the 'Dance Parade', New York.  

And it's not just Indonesian events. I also had the opportunity to perform at the Lincoln Theater and Concert Hall at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, Washington D.C., along with Native Americans. Before the pandemic, I was entrusted to sing at the 'AIFD Symposium' event in Las Vegas.

Q: There are still many AFI 1 fans on KapanLagi.com, what is it that still makes you miss AFI 1?
It's the togetherness with them that makes me miss it. Thank God we still have all 12 Friends who are still healthy until now. We just launched a new single titled 'Sahabat'. Have you listened to it yet? Please tell your friends too.

3. Not the First Time Joining Pride Parade

credit: instagram.com/kia_suban

Q: Regarding Pride Month / Pride Parade as you posted on social media, can you tell us about your involvement in the event?
I am often involved in Indonesian communities in America. One of them is the Indonesian LGBTQIA community called 'Satu Pelangi' in New York. They asked me, 'Would you like to join the parade with Satu Pelangi? What about the public's response to you as a Public Figure?' and I answered simply, 'I am Indonesian and you are also Indonesian. It is only right for us to help and support each other.' In this nearly 4-hour parade, many groups also represented their countries. It was a great pride when they announced 'From Indonesia; Satu Pelangi!'

Q: Many of your followers are from Indonesia, so did you post your participation in the Pride Parade as a way to increase awareness about LGBTQ?
Yup, in my opinion, LGBTQIA is just a sexual orientation. They are just like us, humans. We do not have the right to judge other people's lives. In Indonesia, there are still few institutions or communities that provide positive knowledge about LGBTQIA, so there is still a lot of negative feedback and discrimination. But I always have guidance from my late father, DR. Boli Sabon Max, S.H., M.Hum., who always taught me 'Human beings will always live side by side. Love your fellow human beings as you love yourself.'

Q: Is this the first time Kia participated in the parade? As far as we know, Dena Rachman and Cindercella have also posted about their participation.
I have participated in several parades before; PRIDE Parade and Dance Parade.

4. The Beginning of Kia AFI's Involvement in Pride Parade

credit: instagram.com/kia_suban

Q: Can you tell us about the first time Kia learned about Pride Month / Pride Parade?
When I had the opportunity to study at Broadway Dance Center in New York. I was active in Permias (Indonesian Student Association in the United States), and some students introduced me to Indonesian communities in New York, including the LGBTQIA Indonesian community, 'Satu Pelangi'. And June is Pride Month. As an Indonesian living in another country, I feel proud to be involved in events in that country, especially global events. Moreover, being part of the parade is an extraordinary experience. Not all groups or communities get that opportunity. And when the world sees the uniqueness of our culture and admires INDONESIA, it's an amazing experience.

Q: Is participating in this parade open to the public or do you have to register first?
You don't have to be LGBTQIA to participate in the parade. Well, when it comes to registering for the parade, the LGBTQIA Community in Indonesia, 'Satu Pelangi', knows more clearly. Because I joined the parade with them. So in the parade, it's not individual, you have to join a group. According to the information I received, it is indeed open to the public, but registered communities, institutions, and organizations must be selected. So not all communities can have this opportunity. And don't be mistaken, the parade committee always invites 'Satu Pelangi' to participate in the parade from year to year because they are amazed by the diversity of the country INDONESIA.

Q: Now let's talk about Kia's costume in the Pride Parade. Can you tell us a little about the selection process and where the inspiration comes from? At first glance, it looks like traditional Balinese attire.
When it comes to costumes, I follow the guidance of the LGBTQIA Community in Indonesia, 'Satu Pelangi'. Because they have their own themes every year. And they are also supported by famous Indonesian designers who help this community.

5. Pride Month in Kia AFI's Perspective

credit: instagram.com/kia_suban

Q: How do you personally interpret Pride Month?
As the name suggests, PRIDE means SELF-WORTH. Throughout our lives, we will always be surrounded by various opinions around us. They are free to express themselves because it is their life. Will you always live your life according to other people's opinions? It's time for you to change your life the way you want. You are the one who drives your life. It's like we don't invite others even when we die, hehe. So love and explore the uniqueness and differences that exist within you. Remove all barriers that hinder and focus on positive things that support your work. Be proud of being yourself. Happy PRIDE, everyone!

Q: LGBTQ is still a limited topic in Indonesia and not many netizens are willing to openly discuss it. What is Kia's view on this?
Indeed, in Indonesia, LGBTQIA is still looked down upon or considered low. And legal protection for LGBTQIA is still lacking. That's why it's not surprising that it is still considered a 'limited topic'. In my opinion, this is due to a lack of knowledge and resources that have not yet been considered 'helpful' for LGBTQIA individuals. And I believe that Indonesia is still learning about LGBTQIA because it can be seen from the current development where transgender people in Indonesia can have ID cards. Hopefully, more and more people are willing to help protect LGBTQIA by providing extensive and positive knowledge and adequate resources.

Q: In your opinion, who is the most influential LGBTQ figure and why?
Wow, there are many, from Indonesia or from abroad? If from Indonesia, hmm, I don't know. Don't want to be isolated by the neighbors, hehe. From abroad: Cher, Lady Gaga, Ellen DeGeneres, Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Porter.

The reason is that I am inspired by their struggles; the process of accepting, acknowledging, and loving themselves. They delve deeper into their uniqueness and differences, and develop them positively to help others.

(kpl/gtr)