Kapanlagi.com - Mahalini Raharja, a talented singer from Bali, recalls her quarantine period on Indonesian Idol which provided her with a unique experience. One of the unforgettable things was the consumption of boxed rice during the quarantine process, which turned out to significantly increase her weight.
"Boxed rice, I gained 9 kilos," Mahalini said with a smile while attending a press conference for Indonesian Idol XIII in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, Thursday (5/12/2024).
Mahalini admitted that during the quarantine, boxed rice became the main food for participants to meet their energy needs. As part of the quarantine rules, participants were not allowed to bring food from outside.
This was done to maintain body health and vocal quality during the strict competition process. "We can't buy online, we can't," said the wife of Rizky Febian.
1. Previously Commented by Netizens
Mahalini explained that the boxed rice she consumes daily provides the necessary nutrition, but it also poses a challenge due to its considerable portion size. "As participants, we do need energy, but yes, that’s the effect, the weight goes up," she said.
She also recalled the moment when netizens compared her body proportion changes during Indonesian Idol to her current appearance. Mahalini used this as material for jokes, revealing that the main cause of her weight gain at that time was the boxed rice.
"Netizens say things like, 'Just look at Mahalini during Idol.' You don’t know, that boxed rice (is what makes the weight go up)," she added.
2. Mahalini is Grateful

Mahalini (credit: KapanLagi.com/Budy Santoso)
Even though her weight had increased, Mahalini considers that experience as part of an unforgettable struggle. For her, the quarantine period was not just about competition, but also about how to endure pressure while continuing to deliver her best performance.
Mahalini reminisces about that time with immense gratitude. She believes that the experiences during Indonesian Idol were a significant step in her now-bright career in the Indonesian music industry.
Unique experiences like this give Indonesian Idol participants their own stories that are not only touching but also entertaining. Mahalini, with her authentic story, reminds us that every struggle has its own challenges and beauty.
Now, Mahalini enjoys success as a singer whose work is loved by many, while still remembering the unforgettable moments from the past that shaped her. "It’s all part of the process, and I am very grateful to have gone through it," she concluded.
(kpl/aal/pit)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.