‘I wear it as a moslem and in actual fact it helps me a lot being recognized.’
NYIMAS BUNGA CINTA
July 2024
At 12 years you became Indonesia’s youngest Asian Games medallist. How long have you been skating up to that point?
4 great years of skateboarding.
Is your dad coaching you or does someone else do that?
My father doesn’t coach much. I learnt to skate from someone else like Mr. Basuki, Mr. Tony Sruntul, Mr. Surie (Indonesian Godfather of Skateboard) Mr. Ardy Polii, Mr. Bernard and others. They all help me to improve.
Do you skate with a lot of girls too or is it mainly with boys?
Mainly with Boys but Girls. It is fun to skate with anyone. I am sure you inspire a lot of girls to get into skateboarding.
Have you experienced anything personally?
Yes. Actually, some of parents are allow their daughters to skate just because they read or watch my journey and achievements with skateboarding.
I really think you are a role model especially for Muslim girls because the way you are traditionally dressed while skating. Have you sometimes struggled to get recognition because you are dressed a bit differently?
Nope. I wear it as a moslem and in actual fact it helps me a lot being recognized. Most skateboarders respect each other and that’s why I love it so much.
Who are some of your local skaters you look up to?
Basral Graito and Kyandra as they are my teammates.
In the ‘Skate Like A Girl’ book I read that you want to buy your parents a house and give them some financial stability. What needs to happen for your to realize this dream?
Just keep skating. Just keep skating!!
Based on your IG account you met a lot of pro skaters. Which one left the biggest impression on you and why?
Bryce Wettstein. We have so many things in common like music and skateboard and she is so humble, cheerful, friendly. She has such a good vibe around her which I want to adapt myself along my skateboard journey. I met Bryce in Dubai, where we played the ukulele together and sang together for a bit. Then there is Sky. I met Sky quite a few times, and she turned out to be a very friendly person and very smiley. I wish I could be just like them.
What are your plans?
Keep skateboarding until my dreams come true like buying a house for my family while spreading good vibes.
Last question. If you could interview any person in the world, who would it be and why? What would you ask?
Mr. Tony Hawk. He inspires me with everything he has done. My question for him would be: ‘How?!’
‘My question for him would be: ‘How?!’
