Indonesian entertainer Billy Syahputra has returned to Jakarta after spending more than a month in Belarus, marking the conclusion of an emotional journey aimed at reuniting his family. The trip to Eastern Europe was designed as a critical support system for his wife, Vika Kolesnaya, and a first-time introduction between their child and the paternal grandmother.
The excursion, which Syahputra describes as a whirlwind of conflicting emotions, was motivated by more than just tourism. Following the birth of their child, Kolesnaya struggled with baby blues, a common but challenging period of postpartum emotional distress. Syahputra noted that returning to her homeland and reconnecting with her mother served as a vital remedy for her mental well-being.
Speaking near the TransTV studios in Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta, Syahputra reflected on the intensity of the experience. “This journey was truly a mix of everything—sadness, emotion, happiness; it was quite dramatic,” he said. He emphasized that the primary objective was to ensure his wife could reconnect with her mother and that his child could finally meet their grandmother, a meeting that had been long-anticipated by the family.
Navigating Health Crises and Travel Hurdles
While the emotional rewards were significant, the logistics of traveling to Belarus with an infant proved grueling. Syahputra detailed a series of health setbacks that plagued the family during their transit and stay, turning the trip into a test of endurance.
The most alarming moment occurred when their child, affectionately known as “Dede Bule,” suffered a severe fever that reached 39.6 degrees Celsius. Despite the high temperature, Syahputra expressed admiration for his child’s resilience, noting that the infant remained remarkably calm and did not become overly fussy despite the illness.
The family’s health struggles followed a cascading pattern, with each member falling ill in succession. To provide a clearer picture of the ordeal, the following timeline outlines the duration of their respective illnesses during the journey:
| Family Member | Duration of Illness |
|---|---|
| Billy Syahputra | 4 Days |
| The Child (Dede Bule) | 3 Days |
| Vika Kolesnaya | 2 Days |
This sequence of health issues added a layer of panic to the trip, though Syahputra viewed the experience as a testament to the strength of his family unit.
Prioritizing Family Over Professional Obligations
The decision to spend an extended period in Belarus required Syahputra to make significant professional and financial sacrifices. The entertainer admitted to stepping away from work commitments and allocating a substantial budget to facilitate the trip, viewing these costs as secondary to his responsibilities as a husband and father.
Syahputra highlighted the sacrifice his wife had already made by leaving her home country to build a life with him in Indonesia. “Vika is a foreigner; she left her country and moved far away from her parents to be with me,” he explained. He asserted that being a supportive and present husband was his primary responsibility, regardless of the financial impact or the work missed.
For Syahputra, the emotional stability of his wife and the bond between the child and the grandmother outweighed any professional loss, stating that livelihood and income are secondary to family priorities.
The Bittersweet Departure and Future Plans
The conclusion of the trip was marked by a poignant separation. Syahputra described the moment of departure as heart-wrenching, as the grandmother struggled to say goodbye to her daughter and grandchild, who must now live across continents.
Regarding the child’s future, Syahputra has adopted a flexible approach to citizenship. He has not yet made a definitive decision on whether the child will hold Indonesian or Belarusian nationality, opting instead to leave that choice to the child once they reach adulthood.
This journey has also set a precedent for the family’s future travel habits. Syahputra expressed his intention to return to Belarus with his wife and child next year, ensuring that the bond established during this visit is maintained through regular contact.
Disclaimer: Baby blues and postpartum depression are medical conditions. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, please consult a licensed healthcare provider or a mental health professional.
The family is now settling back into their routine in Jakarta, with Syahputra resuming his professional activities while planning for their next international reunion in 2027.
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