About

My tattoo journey began at the age of eighteen, alongside a close friend who traveled to Kalimantan to explore his roots among the Dayak communities. That period left a deep impression on me. Through him, I first truly came to understand that tattoos are more than aesthetics alone; they carry history, identity, and spirit.

Since then, I have immersed myself in the study of tribal cultures. History and mythology have always drawn me in, as they reveal the origins of who we are and how cultures evolve. Alongside Indonesian traditions, I have developed a strong interest in Polynesian and broader Pacific cultures. I enjoy exploring their shared connections through the Austronesian migration, tracing how people, symbols, and stories spread across oceans and influenced one another. The ocean is not only a route in this history, but a unifying force, something that also resonates deeply with me on a personal level.

My mother was born in Manado, North Sulawesi. She is Minahasa, from the Tontemboan group. From birth, my parents took me back and forth to Manado, and this has remained a constant throughout my life. Nearly every year, I return. It is a place that feels like home rather than a destination.

My sister still lives there, along with many other family members. Over the years, I have spoken with countless people—family, elders, and local residents. I have listened, asked questions, and learned about Minahasa culture: our origins and creation stories, our history, traditions, and rituals, the animals that hold symbolic importance, and woven patterns such as bentenan. These patterns are more than decoration; they carry knowledge, identity, and a deep connection to nature and community.

My father is Indo, with roots in Aceh, North Sumatra, and the Sunda region. These lineages are also part of my identity and shape my perspective on culture, symbolism, and tradition.

Beyond tattooing, you will most often find me in and around the ocean. Surfing is a true passion for me, a way to move in rhythm with nature and to listen rather than control. This relationship with the sea aligns naturally with the maritime history of Austronesian cultures and island peoples. I also ride motorcycles and spend a lot of time painting and drawing, as an extension of my creative process.

As a proud father, I share my passion for art and exploration with my daughter, which brings me great joy. My respect for tribal cultures, especially my Minahasa heritage, fuels my creativity and helps me pass on a part of my cultural legacy to the next generation.