In Conversations With: Annabella Jusuf

Photographed by David Teru

Last week, we had the pleasure of hanging out with Annabella Jusuf—the outgoing and down-to-earth 26 year young vegan and animal rights activist—and her handsome dog, Leo, who is blessed with the coolest-looking brindled coat. If you followed her on Instagram, you would know all these things. You would also know that she has an Instagram account dedicated to all vegan food goodness. Not many have the willpower to make this lifestyle change, and we are intrigued about her approach to vegan fare. We also took a look at some of the most common vegan stereotypes in an attempt to set the record straight once and for all. 

What influenced you towards a vegan lifestyle, and how long have you been vegan?

I’ve always wanted to go vegetarian since I was a kid but my parents and society convinced me that we needed meat to survive. I revisited the idea in University when I had to do a presentation in my Persuasive Communications class and I happened to choose the topic of Veganism. After doing thorough research I realised it’s the best diet for our health, for the environment, and of course, for the animals.

What is people’s general reaction of you being a vegan?

Generally they’re confused. I get a lot of “Ga makan daging? Kamu makan apa dong? (You don’t eat meat? So what do you eat?)” and that’s why I started my food Instagram account. So when I get asked about my diet I’ll just be like “Check out @annaveganfooddiary”, haha! 

Have you ever found it hard to be a vegan?

In the beginning it was difficult because you realise just how much food contains animal products. It’s crazy. But now it’s more of the social aspect. Eating out is such a huge part of our culture and unfortunately, there aren’t that many restaurants or cafes that accommodate vegans. I’ve been in social situations when let’s say we just finished watching a movie and we want to eat dinner, I’ve been that girl that separates from the group because the restaurant my friends want to go to, doesn’t include vegan options. It sucks. You can’t help but feel left out sometimes. My friends are super supportive and many times will join me when I go to vegan restaurants but obviously I can’t expect them to to that every time we’re in a group. 

There are a lot of rumours that a vegan diet comes with potential nutritional deficiencies, there are studies that support and oppose this. Based on personal experience, do you feel it is easier to maintain healthier eating habits as a vegan?

Any diet can come with potential nutritional deficiencies, including the vegan diet. Personally, I have experienced nothing but positive effects since being a vegan. With that being said, I’m not a nutritionist, so I’m not credible to speak on this matter. This is why I encourage everyone to do their own research and get regular blood tests. Don’t be quick to follow trends or fad diets and never assume that influencers (even myself!) know what they’re talking about. I became vegan as a result of my own extensive research. I’ve watched countless documentary films, read case studies, attended seminars and workshops and I CONTINUE to educate myself on veganism and alternative diets. I love challenging mainstream ideologies and I hope other can do the same. 

There’s a stigma that comes with being vegan, people often say that people who are trying to be vegan are always trying to guilt trip others into not eating meat. What do you think of those people who ridicule vegans?

If you feel guilty, then I suggest you explore that. Ask yourself why you feel guilty and why this ideology bothers you so much. No one has the power to make you feel a certain way except for yourself. 

You’re always posting different vegan meals on social media, and they all look delicious! What is your go-to vegan meal?

Ironically, the food I eat the most is the food I post the least on my social media. My go-to meal is gado-gado, haha! I rarely post it because it’s so difficult to find a really pretty and instagrammable gado-gado! Plus I feel like people here are familiar with the dish so it doesn’t need as much clout, lol. 

Another myth about being vegan is that it can be quite expensive. Do you think this is true? Do you think it’s possible to be a vegan on a budget?

We live in Indonesia. Fruits and vegetables grow all year round. Tofu and tempeh is plentiful and cheap! People have this assumption because they compare restaurants like "Burgreens” to “McDonalds”. Or “Pure Foods” to “Nasi Padang”. Dude, they are not on the same level! If you want to compare “Burgreens” to something then compare it to “SaladStop!” Or compare “Pure Foods” to “Fedwell”. The vegan version is still cheaper. Plants are cheaper than animal products, especially in Indonesia. Try ordering a nasi goreng with no meat and no eggs. It’s cheaper, no? 

What do you think the future holds for veganism?

The world cannot accommodate 7 billion meat eaters. More people are realising this, and more people are going vegan. Internationally, the vegan movement is experiencing rapid growth. I’m hoping Indonesia can catch up as well. 

If you could give one piece of advice to new vegans, what would it be?

Do your research! Also, buy a blender! It will be your best friend. Oh… and follow @annaveganfooddiary! :)