Among the diverse professions pursued by the Indonesian diaspora in Australia, Belinda Hadiwidjaja has chosen a unique path: becoming a professional roller skating coach and entertainer.
Among the diverse professions pursued by the Indonesian diaspora in Australia, Belinda Hadiwidjaja has chosen a unique path: becoming a professional roller skating coach and entertainer.
Through her business, Princess on Skates, the Jakarta-born woman organises roller skating classes for children and adults, performs at birthday parties in fictional character costumes, and hosts roller discos in Melbourne.
In her performances, Belle, as she is known, said she dresses in a variety of costumes, including Anna and Elsa from Frozen, Ariel from The Little Mermaid, and Rumi from K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Belle said she has never roller-skated in a traditional Indonesian costume, but she would like to try it one day. She acknowledged the practical challenge, as garments like the kebaya feature long skirts that would restrict her movement while skating.
She also said she hopes to connect more with the Indonesian community in Melbourne, which she said is largely unaware of her business.
Belle said she moved to Melbourne in 1998 and previously worked as a web designer. Her love of roller skating has been with her since childhood in Jakarta, she said. She even pursued ice figure skating and represented Indonesia in competitions in Malaysia and Singapore in the mid-1990s, she added.
The turning point in her career came during the 2020 lockdown, when Melbourne residents were only allowed to leave their homes for one hour a day to exercise. Belle said she used that time to roller skate in parks while dancing to music.
The positive response from locals led many people to request lessons and invite her to various events, she said. That was when she decided to turn her hobby into a livelihood, she added.
Changing careers is difficult and requires strong willpower. But if you have a dream, give it a go. Start and persevere, because when you succeed, it is very rewarding.Belinda Hadiwidjaja
In 2024, her contribution was recognised by the Maribyrnong Council through the Contribution to Business Community Award in the community where she lives.
For members of the Indonesian diaspora looking to pursue a unique career, Belle said she recommends having the courage to try and to persevere, as the rewards will be worth the effort.
Listen to the full interview on the SBS Indonesian podcast.
