Being known as a woman who is concerned about healthcare and active in many company activities does not make Indira Abidin, Director of Fortune Group, abandon her duty in the family. Many do not know, Indira actually likes to spend time every Saturday morning to go shopping at the market with her husband and her daughter. Here are excerpts of an interview with Indira Abidin.
Would you tell how you and your husband share the roles in the household?
My role at home is not much different from other housewives, particularly in terms of taking care of husband and children. Alhamdulillah, my husband really understands my work; he does not demand much of what I should cook. We accept each other’s pluses and minuses. We also share roles in raising children.  I am the disciplined one while my husband is more laid-back to the kid. We complement each other.
What value do you always instill in your child?
Self-reliance. I slowly instill the value of self-reliance in my kid. Alhamdulillah, she has applied that in her daily life. She has done small things like preparing clothes and supplies for school by herself since grade 2 of elementary school. The value of independence was also what my parents instilled in me and my siblings.
Closeness with your child?

Generally, it’s the mother who is closer to the child, and so am I. I am very close to my daughter. Although I am working, I always spend a special time for my daughter every day. Alhamdulillah, her school is on the same direction as my office. So we go together every morning, and after school my daughter picks me up at the office. And after I finish my work at the office, we go home together. The time we spend in the car on our way back and forth is a precious moment. While waiting in the traffic jam, we share stories, sing along, watch videos and even do homework in the car. Being so close to my daughter, there was a time when my husband and I were performing hajj pilgrimage and my daughter stayed with her grandparents, she got a fever since she missed us a lot hehehe …
Speaking of self-reliance, have you ever been involved in activities that require self-reliance as a child?
Yes, I participated in Scouting since elementary school until senior high school. Lastly, I joined as scoutmaster. I think scouting activities are challenging, exciting and certainly honing independence. I was always excited every time we went camping, and I was always in charge of cooking in the kitchen division. I once joined a sort of cross-country activity. At that time, I and the other participants had to walk from Jakarta to Bogor! Wow, it was incredible; I had mixed feelings of tired, happy, as well as satisfied.
Your favourite housework?
I love shopping the most. I usually go to BSD Modern Market. I regularly shop there every Saturday morning. For me, shopping is really an exciting moment because I can choose goods, such as the needs of my husband and daughter, drugs, toiletries and so on. Oh, I do not go by myself, you know. Every time I go shopping, my husband and my daughter accompany me. Since going to the market is my routine, I know almost all sellers there. You can say that this activity is our family’s favorite. My daughter knows very well that I always bring my own shopping bag. So if the sellers are about to give me plastic bags, she will tell them not to do so.
Favorite spot in the house?
It’s the family room, on the couch in front of the TV. Usually on Saturday morning, after we do our Morning Prayer, before we leave for BSD Modern Market, we would sit around and chat in front of the TV. My family’s favorite TV show is Khazanah broadcast on one of the private TV programs.
Favorite free time activities?
I like reading, especially books about health, happiness, passion and such. Books written by Lissa Rankin and Arianna Huffington are also my favorite. Besides reading, I usually spend time sharing on social media and blogging. In my opinion, by blogging we can share with others insights as well as education.
Your hope for the family?
Hopefully we can be a family that is an heir of heaven. For my daughter in particular, I do not demand many things. I have noticed that my daughter has a high interest and concern on health, possibly because she often sees me reading various books on health. She does not have to be like her mother or father, the most important thing is my child feels happy with what she chooses later.

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