Hi, I'm Zakky!

I’m a travel content creator from Indonesia with a niche in 'Traveling while Learning.' I love digging deep into the history, culture, and geopolitical context of the places I visit. My goal isn't just to check off landmarks, but to find the human stories behind them.

When I'm not filming or scripting, I'm a history geek who loves discussing international affairs. I'm also very open to discussing creative collaborations and professional opportunities. I believe great ideas often come from random conversations with new friends.

Friends usually describe me as easy-going and curious. I enjoy deep conversations over coffee just as much as a quiet afternoon observing local life.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For me, travel is meaningless without connecting with the locals. As a storyteller, I believe the best way to understand a country is through the eyes of the people living there.

I’m on Couchsurfing to meet open-minded people, exchange perspectives, and maybe find some hidden gems that Google Maps won't tell me about. I’m looking for genuine connections, whether it’s sharing a meal, swapping travel stories (I have some from Syria, Timor-Leste, and Central Asia!), or learning about your daily life.

While I do work on the go (creating content), I always make time to respect my host's schedule and quality time together.

Interests

History, Geopolitics, International Affairs, Content Creation, Videography, Storytelling, Culinary Adventures, Coffee Culture, Southeast Asia, Middle East History.

• arts
• culture
• architecture
• design
• interior design
• dining
• cooking
• recipes
• walking
• technology
• traveling
• stamps
• music
• outdoor activities
• freelancing
• geography
• history
• languages
• tourism
• historic sites
• historical places
• history and culture

Music, Movies, and Books

MUSIC

I listen to various genres of music, so I would be happy to be introduced to new kind of music.

MOVIES

I watch movies a lot, since I work in an entertainment company that sometimes produces movies and serials. Any genre would be fine, but I prefer watching family dramas, romcoms, biopics, crime-thrillers, and anything based on true events.

BOOKS

I read non fictions, mostly political and book about history. I sometimes read fictions too related to historical events.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

In 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Syria (Damascus, Maaloula, and Sednaya). Witnessing the resilience of the people and the rich history there firsthand was a life-changing experience that completely shifted my perspective on the region.

On a lighter note, I also survived eating questionable street food in multiple countries without getting sick (so far!).

Teach, Learn, Share

Here is what I can bring to the table:
∙ Professional Insights: As a content creator for Instagram & TikTok, I love sharing insights on social media strategy, personal branding, and the digital economy.
∙ Networking: I'm always looking to connect with like-minded professionals or entrepreneurs. Who knows? We might end up collaborating on a project!
∙ Language: I can teach you Bahasa Indonesia or Javanese (including the slang you won't find in textbooks).
∙ Culture & Food: I can cook simple Indonesian meals and share stories about our diverse culture.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can promise you good company, respectful vibes, and interesting stories from my travels.

Specifically, I can offer:
∙ Creative Brainstorming: If you have a business or passion project, I’d love to brainstorm ideas on how to tell your story visually.
∙ Digital Skills Exchange: Tips on video editing, scripting, or growing an audience.
∙ Indonesian Cooking: If you have the kitchen, I’ll bring the flavor!
∙ A listening ear if you just want to vent about your day.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Macao, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Slovakia, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste (East Timor), Uzbekistan, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Indonesia, Slovakia, Timor-Leste (East Timor)