pilot profile / Dayu, 32, Indonesia

Me, Dayu and two other brilliant pilots I unfortunately don't remember the names of. On the way to take-off in the back of a small pick-up.

When standing in the crowd by the luggage belt in Malang airport I bumped into a group of pilots from Jakarta. Turns out we were all going to the same spotlanding event in Batu and Yoshi Pasha of Ayokitakemon, the event organizer, was there to pick us all up. The only female pilot in the group was Dayu. Blessed with the confident charm and enthusiasm for life not uncommon for Indonesian people she instantly invited me to the group and made sure I felt welcome throughout the whole event.

Name
Dayu Indrayani

Age
32

Home/country
She lives and works in Jakarta, the capital of the Indonesian island Java, but her parents are both from Bali. She lived in Bali for two years when she was a teenager but much prefers Jakarta at the moment.

Employment/studies?
A freelance Graphic Designer qualified from the Jakarta Institute of Art, a five year degree course.

Marital status?
She has been with her boyfriend for 9 years. Theirs is a Hindu/Christian relationships which causes some problems from the outside world, but they try not to let it get in the way.

Do you have or want children in the future?
No children yet but definitely on the plan for the future.

When and why did you start paragliding?
In 2004. I wanted an interesting hobby/activity for the weekends. A friend told me about his new hobby, paragliding, and took me with him to the flying site. First, I did a tandem and it was amazing! I knew I had to learn to fly myself! I did the beginners course in Puncak. We did one full day of groundhandling and flew the next day. We learned the theory on site in between flights.

Why do you paraglide?
It is something so different. The view, the nature, the quietness. I feel free, joyful and happy. I love laughing and spending time with nice people and the people involved in paragliding are just the best!

There are so many possible flying sites in Indonesia and paragliding is a brilliant way to travel around the country to discover new areas, experience new things and meet all sorts of people.

Favourite sites?
Tongging, Lake Toba, in North Sumatra; Timbis in Bali; Puncak, my local weekend site and the one nearest Jakarta; Singgkara; Painan… to name but a few.

What type of flying do you like?
I like to just free fly around, fun fly, spotlanding, travelling and trying new places.

I’ve never kept a flightlog but I have probably done about 100 flights and my longest is about two hours. I had a break for two years, 2006-2008, because of an injury.

Glider
Gin Bolero DHV1, small

Harness
Supair

Vario/gps
None

What does freedom mean to you? What gives you freedom?
Freedom is to have no rules, thinking and living out of the box, feeling that no one can stop me.

Sometimes I just feel so free! And on some days more than others, but I usually just do what I want to do and that makes me feel free.

If you had one wish in the world, what would it be?
To be happy, in any way.

Dayu ready for take-off.

Us girls didn't do so well with finding the spot... but the guys were on it!

The event was partially sponsored by Filo, a new Indonesian cigarette brand. All participants got a free carton.

At a fish restaurant with Yoshi, Dayu and the rest of the group.

I want that one on my plate!