Isa Bajaj No Longer Hopes to Appear on TV, Now Focuses on Culinary Business in Hometown

Kapanlagi.com - Comedian Isa Bajaj no longer prioritizes the entertainment world. He prefers to enjoy a more relaxed life in his hometown while developing his culinary business. He made this decision after feeling satisfied with his career on television and wanting to be closer to family.

"No, I don't really hope for anything and just go with the flow. So, whereas before I had to be in Jakarta, had to be on TV and all that, now I’m fine just on social media, sharing how I am now. That's it, I don't really hope to perform or anything like that," said Isa Bajaj when met in the Tendean area, South Jakarta, Tuesday (21/1/2025).

In addition to leaving the hustle and bustle of the entertainment industry, Isa is also pursuing a restaurant business that he runs in his hometown. Initially, he planned to open a branch in Jakarta, but was hindered by the need to stay at his place of business.

1. Focus on Opening a Culinary Business

"At first, yes, two friends really invited me to open here, but they wanted me to just wait here. Meanwhile, I am currently at home keeping my father company since my mother is no longer here, keeping my father company, and the kids are already in school there," said Isa.

In addition, he also sees that similar culinary businesses have been run by his colleagues from the entertainment world in Jakarta. Therefore, he prefers to continue developing his business in areas closer to his home.

"And it turns out that here, there are already friends from the artist community who open tempong. So, I hope that later when there are branches, they will be close to the city," he added.

2. Returning to Hometown Brings Big Changes

Instagram/isa_bajaj

His move back to his hometown brought significant changes in Isa's life. He admits that he now enjoys spending time with family more, even though there is a difference in income compared to when he was still in Jakarta.

"Yeah, it's very calm, very calm in terms of time. Although in terms of income, it's different between Jakarta and the region. I'm just enjoying it," he expressed.

However, when he initially decided to return to his hometown, he experienced confusion because he did not have a solid plan. He even went through a tough time before finally finding the culinary business as a way out.

3. Confused Until Savings Run Out

Instagram/isa_bajaj

"No, no regrets, just at that time I was a bit confused. Because I was stuck for a year, I opened a new stall, I came back for 3 years. Opened a new stall for two years, and in that year I was stuck—what should we do," said Isa.

"When we came back to accompany our parents, we ended up being a burden. So we were confused until our savings ran out. We were confused about what to do, and finally found a way to open a food stall," Isa continued.

The decision to move back to their hometown also affected their children. Those who were previously used to city life had to adjust to a simpler environment.

4. Felt a Loss of Amenities in Jakarta

Instagram/isa_bajaj

Isa's wife revealed that although their children did not directly question the decision to move, they did feel a loss of some amenities that were available in Jakarta.

"Actually, they don’t really ask. They are just fine, but sometimes they say, 'Oh, there are no malls here, no playgrounds.' So we strategized that Magetan is close to the mountains. So we introduced them to coffee places with mountain views. In the end, they are just fine with it," she revealed.

Isa also explained that from the beginning, he had already given his children an understanding of the reasons for their move. He wanted them to learn about the importance of accompanying their parents when they are sick.

"From the start, I told them that we are coming back, I will accompany Yanti. I call Yanti's mother Yanti, she is sick and all. This will also be a lesson for you that when your parents are sick, you should accompany them," said Isa.

(kpl/far/fbi)