In this exclusive interview, Hamish Daud reflects on his milestones, the transformative power of fatherhood and the passions driving his life and work
Over the past decade, Hamish Daud has built a remarkable and multifaceted career, transitioning seamlessly from a beloved television presenter to a respected actor and environmental advocate. Known for his adventurous spirit and dedication to ocean conservation, Hamish has become a prominent name not only in entertainment but also in sustainability efforts. Gracing our cover for what may be his third appearance, Hamish sat down with us in Jakarta to reflect on his journey, the profound impact of fatherhood and his vision for a greener future.
DAMAN: It’s nice to see you again, Hamish! Can we start by looking back on your journey? What are you most proud of personally and professionally?
Hamish Daud: Personally, my favorite highlight is definitely having a family. Coming home to them after a long day is the best feeling and something I truly treasure. Professionally, I feel like I still have so much more I want to achieve. While I’m not entirely fulfilled yet, I’m incredibly grateful for the positive feedback I’ve received. It’s been so encouraging and keeps me motivated. I just want to keep the fire burning. I’ll never settle for doing anything that’s boring, because I want to keep pushing myself and enjoying the ride.
DA: You’ve been in Jakarta for 10 years now. That’s quite a milestone. How does it feel looking back on this journey?
HD: I can’t believe how fast time has gone. My first interview after moving to Jakarta was actually with DA MAN, and that was 10 years ago. This month marks a full decade here. So much has happened—the ups and downs. When I first moved here, I had about $300 in my pocket. I remember riding my bicycle to the network during my first TV show. It was such an exciting time.
Coming from the islands and suddenly being in the city was a big shift. Many of my friends who were already established here found it amusing, but I received incredible support. Good people came into my life, and I was able to do some amazing things. Over these 10 years, I ventured into the movie industry, met my wife and built a beautiful family. Jakarta has been good to me. It’s a tough city—no one comes here on holiday; everyone’s hustling. It’s a hard life, but I’m grateful for what it’s taught me. Jakarta can spit people out quickly, but I’ve been lucky to find opportunities and learn from both the highs and the lows. That’s life, right? It’s a challenging place, but I really love it here.
DA: How has living in Jakarta changed your perspective?
HD: Completely. A city like Jakarta can either wear you down or teach you so much. Fun fact—there are more people in Greater Jakarta than in all of Australia. It’s a dynamic place with so much happening: different levels, networks and an incredible hustle and bustle.
Being here for 10 years has taught me how things work and how people operate. Jakarta is a melting pot of 17,000 islands, each with its own culture, language and way of life, all converging in one city—not to mention the international community. It’s chaotic yet inspiring, and I’ve grown to love the energy and opportunities here.
DA: What drives you to explore new avenues and push boundaries in so many diverse areas?
HD: It’s all about trying new things. I want to enjoy my work and have others enjoy it too. Whether it’s TV, travel, education, or conservation work, I’ve loved stepping out of my comfort zone. I enjoy doing the unexpected and pushing my limits. As long as I’m having fun while also leaving a positive impact, that’s what matters most.
DA: Do you see yourself staying in show business long-term, or are you considering other fields?
HD: Times are changing so fast. These days, it’s normal to juggle two or three jobs. I love entertainment—it’s been an incredible journey. I’ve loved making movies, preserving Indonesian culture on TV and connecting people to the ocean and the environment. It’s definitely been challenging, but I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.
That said, who knows what the future holds? As long as I stay true to what I love—whether in show business or elsewhere—I’ll find joy and fulfillment in what I do.
DA: If you were to ever step away from entertainment, what would you be pursuing instead?
HD: Definitely conservation. I’d dedicate my time to finding solutions for air quality, pollution and plastics in the ocean. Protecting the planet is where my passion lies.
I’d dedicate my time to finding solutions for air quality, pollution and plastics in the ocean. Protecting the planet is where my passion lies
DA: Environmental conservation is clearly important to you. What steps can individuals take toward a greener future?
HD: You know, I’ve been asked this question a lot over the past decade, and what really stands out to me is how much more knowledgeable people are now. It’s amazing to see how much more aware people are now compared to a decade ago. Younger generations, in particular, are stepping up—bringing reusable tumblers, using fewer straws and monitoring air quality.
Ten years ago, we were just starting the conversation about recycling and waste management. Now, people are ready for real solutions. The momentum is here, and I believe we’re in a strong position to make lasting changes
DA: Speaking about different perspectives, how has fatherhood changed your priorities?
HD: Fatherhood has been transformative. Loving your child is unlike any other kind of love. It’s no longer about me—I want to be a hero for my daughter. I love who I am when I’m with her. It pushes me to be better and to provide her with everything I never had. It’s the simple, grounding moments that bring the most fulfillment.
DA: What do you enjoy most about being a father?
HD: One of the most common lines about parenthood is, “The days are long, but the years are quick.” I know it sounds cliché, but it’s so true. My wife always reminds me of that too— she’ll say, “You’re going to miss this. You’re going to miss these crying bouts and the frustrating moments because they won’t last forever.” And she’s absolutely right.
Every day is a new challenge, and we’re constantly learning, not just about our child but about ourselves as parents. That’s been one of the biggest surprises: how much growth happens for us too. It’s a journey full of ups and downs, but every moment is worth it.
DA: What’s still on your bucket list?
HD: The last time I really sat down to think about my bucket list was during a tough time. I’d just come out of a coma after a bad accident. I remember lying in the hospital bed, thinking that if I ever get healthy again, here’s what I’m going to do. I made a list of 15 things and I’ve accomplished almost all of them. It might sound a little cheesy, but back then, the doctors didn’t think I’d recover fully. They said I’d be semiparalyzed, stuck in bed. But I told myself, If I can recover, I’m going to live life to the fullest. Some of the things on that list? Competing in a triathlon, being in movies, having my own TV show, starting a family. And by God’s grace, I’ve achieved almost all of them over the past 12 years or so.
As to what’s next on my bucket list, it’s not about grand adventures anymore—it’s about staying as healthy and fit as I possibly can, to make sure I’m around for a long time. Fit enough to stay active, healthy enough to keep up with life and strong enough to chase away my daughter’s boyfriends someday!
DA: What’s next for you?
HD: I’m diving into more business projects while staying active in entertainment. I just wrapped a movie that’s releasing soon and have more exciting projects lined up— some environmental, some creative. It’s definitely shaping up to be an incredible year.
Photography Ikmal Awfar
Styling Isabella Harahap
Photography Assistant Muhammad Ricky Safarullah
Styling Assistant Bagoes Abyoso
Grooming Chiki Evers