Once Often Teased as 'Jawir' Because of His Thick Accent, Aris Kurniawan Remembers His Struggles in 'MYSTERY OF GUNUNG MERAPI'

"Back then, when we graduated from college, we were still quite naive, really naive. 'Hey Jawir, hey Jawir, here comes Jawir'. Well, we are Javanese, right?" said Aris Kurniawan during a conversation with Kapanlagi.com on Monday (4/8/2025).

The feeling of inferiority struck him, especially when he saw his other friends given the opportunity to study at acting school, while he was not. He even mustered the courage to ask the director for permission to study formally, but was rejected.

"'You can't, Aris. The important thing is that you arrive on time, learn on the shooting location.' 'But I want to study outside, Sir, to focus. I often get scolded, you know, you don't feel me getting scolded,'" he said.

Feeling constantly bullied and not given the same opportunities, young Aris at that time made a promise to himself. His strong determination to prove himself led him to vow that one day he would establish his own studio. "Alright, one day I will open a studio. It will come true," he said.

Although he never received formal acting education, the best 'school' for Aris was actually the shooting location itself. He absorbed a lot of knowledge from directors and senior actors, one of whom was the late director Yazman Yazid whose advice left a lasting impression on him.

"Learning does not have to be in front of the screen. Working also does not have to be in front of the screen. If you want to be in entertainment, learn everything behind the scenes. One day, we might elevate your status among others," he said.

This philosophy is what makes him not only focus on being an actor in front of the camera, but also continue to learn other things behind the scenes. The bitter experiences at the beginning of his career became fuel for him to keep developing until now he is successful as a mentor and even writes an acting guidebook.

"The reason this book came to be, exists, is because honestly, I personally am not a graduate of an art school. So, when I opened a studio, the term is acting school, wow," said Aris.

Now, 'Jawir' who was once often underestimated has transformed into a teacher. Through his studio, he proves that the process, hard work, and the willingness to learn from anywhere are the main keys to survive and succeed in the entertainment industry.