The unlikely transformation of Olga Lydia

Early in her career, television personality Olga Lydia was known as a model, but later in her life she gained her reputation as a host of a politically-charged television show. And recently she has made another transition to become a campaigner for Indonesia's natural beauty.

It was almost seven in the evening in Kemang, South Jakarta, and the streets in the area were packed with private cars, motorbikes and public buses during evening rush hour.

Olga Lydia, clad in a white sleeveless dress, hurriedly made her way into the Elbow Room, one of Kemang's posh restaurants.

She went straight to my table and gave me a warm greeting-and a Jakarta-style apology. "Hi, how are you? I am really sorry for keeping you waiting. I just finished taping this television show. The schedule ran late and I was caught in bad traffic."

Olga, now famous for her role as the host of satirical comedy show Negeri Impian (Dream Country), first wanted to settle the most important business of the evening, ordering food. A waiter responded to her order by addressing her politely as "Bu Olga".

No surprise there, Olga is the owner of the restaurant. Over the past couple of years, Olga has branched out by wisely moving her money from investment in show business to the restaurant business in Jakarta.

And as a good host and owner of a restaurant, Olga took me on a tour of the establishment, giving a brief description about the interior of the restaurant as well as a run-down of the menu.

"Alright, now let's take a seat to have our dinner. I'm so starving," she said.

For dinner, she chose souvlaki, a popular kebab-like Greek delicacy. It soon became evident that Olga was indeed seriously hungry. She chowed down on the souvlaki with purpose.

After dinner, when we were both relaxed, Olga quickly eased into her natural role of a talker. She wanted to talk about anything from her current projects in the entertainment business to her childhood as well as her hopes and dreams.

It was like meeting an older sister after a long separation.

First she talked about her gigs in modeling.

Today, it is safe to say that her slim physique and unique oriental look would easily catch the attention of modeling agencies or designers.

Now in her mid-thirties Olga-who was born on Dec. 4, 1977 - became instantly recognizable in the fashion industry when her face began to grace covers of fashion magazines and she became a regular model for fashion shows as well as countless music videos.

The short supply of strong personalities in the television industry proved to be a boon for Olga. She was offered to host a number of television programs on national television.

Olga was more than happy to take the jobs. After all, there is nothing more exciting for her than performing on a stage in front of an audience, a penchant that she developed from early childhood.

"I took ballet lessons when I was five. I liked performing on the stage. I was in first grade when I first summoned the courage to dance in front of the class," she said.

However, entering the entertainment industry was not something that she had set out to do.

"I never thought of becoming an entertainer. I wanted to be an architect because I thought it would be nice if I could design comfortable homes for people," she said. Olga graduated from Parahyangan University in Bandung, West Java, majoring in Civil Engineering.

Olga soon realized that it was unlikely she would make much use of her degree, if at all. Instead, she started working for the film industry. Some of the films that she has acted in include inter-racial drama Lo Fen Koei, horror flick 12 A.M. and Terekam (Recorded).

Her stint in the movie business also armed her with ample directing skill, and she has since directed a short film. She also co-produced the blockbuster movie Sang Pemimpi (The Dreamer). She expects to wrap up a production of another short film, as yet untitled, which tells the story of a simple person living in rural Jombang, East Java.

However, Olga received the most recognition from hosting a string of satirical shows on television.

At first, the prospect of hosting a politically-charged satirical show terrified her. She knew little about politics to begin with. But then she agreed simply because she wanted to learn more about her country.

"I agreed to host the show because I wanted to know more about daily political issues," she said. Most people shy away from politics because it can be weighty and controversial, but Olga and her team decided to make it light and fun.

"I think this kind of program is good because it presents politics in a fun, light manner, but one that is simple for the public to enjoy," she said.

"It is one of many ways to involve people in politics and other social issues," she argued. And one perk from hosting the political show was that Olga met political big wigs and learned a lot from them.

Hosting the show also gave her the credentials to talk about politics and these days journalists come to her for her comment on the current state of the world despite the fact that she has long since stopped hosting the show.

"It's not a big deal. If they ask for my comment, it means that they think I've got good answers." Olga says. She does not always have the answer, but the possibility of bumping into a nosy journalist prompts her to keep up to date on current political issues.

"It would be embarrassing if I knew nothing about such issues," she said.

Olga dipped her toes into politics by joining the satirical show, but this did not invest in her the courage to jump into real politics.

"I have no interest in joining any political party or being a lawmaker. I have a strong urge to help people and my country, but not in that way," she said.

Olga said that she could do more by involving herself in social-conscious programs.

For instance she agreed to become spokesperson for Books of Hope, a nonprofit organization that educates children from poor areas.

The organization works with local communities to build libraries for children. The organization also encourages an interest in books.

Books of Hope now has 18 libraries in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Bogor and Cirebon as well as in Padang, West Sumatra. Recently, the organization built a library in a village on Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara.

The idea to build the library on the remote island came from Olga, who in recent years has developed a strong bond with the island. She has been named by the Tourism Ministry as a spokesperson to promote Komodo Island as one of the world's seven natural wonders. Her job is to encourage people to vote for the inclusion of Komodo Island from a list of candidates that includes the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon and the Amazon Rainforest, among others. Now as a spokesperson for the drive, she has to convince people to cast their votes at new7wonders.com.

"It would be such a proud moment if the island was voted one of the world's seven natural wonders. I think the island deserves the title because it's really one of a kind and is so beautiful," Olga said.

On a recent trip to the island, named after the native Komodo Dragon, the world's largest lizard, Olga had the opportunity to indulge her new interest - diving.

"I saw a lot of manta rays! I have been diving since 1996, but I had never seen that particular fish. That's the first time I saw them with my own eyes."

She said that diving was the best way to see Indonesia's wonderful marine life.

"Indonesia is an archipelagic country so I think it would be very sad if you did not dive. Under the water, you can see amazing corals and many kinds of colorful fish," she said.

With so many achievements already under her belt, the only question left for gossip journalists to ask is when will Olga get married? She gave us her two cents on the matter.

"It is alright being single. People think that I am too picky. Well, of course, I have to be careful about who my partner will be. I look for a man who has many things in common with me," said the youngest of five siblings.

"I have not found that man yet. Maybe prince charming has not come my way yet," she said. It helps that her parents are not pressurizing her into getting married soon.

"I just let it flow. I consider myself lucky as I have lots of friend. Life goes on and I'll be fine," she said, smiling.

Source : The Jakarta Post