“Being a hero isn’t about having superpowers—it’s about resilience, kindness, and the strength to keep going despite the odds. Every act of goodness, no matter how small, has the power to change lives. You don’t need to wear a cape to make a difference—you just need to believe in yourself and take action.”
— Hassan Moaminah
Superheroes are often seen as fictional characters—figures with extraordinary powers who exist only in comic books and movies. But what if heroism was not about superhuman abilities but about resilience, kindness, and perseverance? Hassan Moaminah, also known as Captain Garud on social media, has lived that reality. His journey from overcoming extreme obesity to becoming a bodybuilding competitor and an author is nothing short of inspiring. Through his children’s book, Captain Garuda, Terp Raveli, and Big Heart, Hassan aims to teach young readers that true heroism lies in self-belief, perseverance, and doing good for others. His story is a testament to the fact that anyone, no matter their circumstances, can rise above their challenges and become a hero in their own right.
In this exclusive interview, Hassan shares the journey behind his book, the challenges he faced while writing it, and the powerful message he hopes to instill in children worldwide. He opens up about his personal struggles, the inspiration behind his characters, and the real-life experiences that shaped his storytelling. He also discusses his future projects and provides valuable advice for aspiring writers who dream of bringing their own stories to life. This is more than just a conversation about a book—it’s a story of transformation, resilience, and the belief that heroism is within us all.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
Thank you for having me! My name is Hassan, but many people know me as Captain Garud on social media. My journey has been one of immense transformation, both physically and mentally. I lost 155 pounds without surgery or extreme pressure and was able to achieve my goal of competing in a bodybuilding competition—something I never imagined possible when I was struggling with obesity and health issues.
Growing up, I was always fascinated by superheroes—figures like Superman and Batman inspired me. But as a child, I thought that being a superhero was just a fantasy, something that only existed in movies or comic books. However, as I faced personal struggles and overcame them, I realized that heroism isn’t about having superpowers—it’s about resilience, kindness, and the strength to keep going despite the odds.
This realization inspired me to write my book. I wanted to create a story that would inspire others, especially children, to see that they don’t need to fly or wear a cape to be heroes. Heroism is in the small, everyday actions we take—helping someone in need, standing up for what’s right, and working hard to better ourselves and our communities.
That’s incredible! Can you tell us more about your book and what inspired you to create it?
The book is a superhero story, but at its core, it’s about transformation and the power of doing good. The protagonist is a humble baker living in Indonesia, where bread is considered a luxury rather than a basic food staple. Every day, after finishing his work, instead of throwing away the extra bread, he donates it to an orphanage. For the children, this simple act of kindness is like receiving an expensive treat—something rare and special that brings them immense joy.
One day, while hiking in the mountains of Bandung, the baker encounters an elderly woman who struggles to make it home. Without hesitation, he helps her, and in return, she gifts him a necklace bearing the symbol of Garuda. In Indonesian culture, Garuda represents strength, freedom, and national pride. When he puts on the necklace, a storm arises, and suddenly, he undergoes a physical transformation. His body becomes stronger, his stamina increases, and most astonishingly, he grows wings—allowing him to fly. He becomes Captain Garuda, a hero whose mission is to protect peace and inspire kindness.
However, every hero has a villain, and in this case, the antagonist is Nyarugongo, named after the deadly lava flows of the Congo. He despises peace and seeks to destroy the harmony in Indonesia. The battle between Captain Garuda and Nyarugongo is symbolic of the internal and external struggles we all face in life.
At the end of the book, the message is clear: heroism isn’t about superpowers. It’s about making a difference, no matter how small. Even the simplest acts of kindness, like giving bread to orphans, can turn someone into a hero.
That’s such a powerful message! What do you hope children take away from your book?
I hope that children realize that heroism is within their reach. They don’t need to have supernatural abilities to make a difference. They can be heroes in their own way—by helping a friend, standing up for what’s right, working hard, or showing kindness to those in need.
The book also teaches resilience. Life is full of challenges, and sometimes we face situations where we feel powerless. But just like Captain Garuda, who starts as an ordinary baker and transforms into a symbol of strength, children can learn that their struggles can lead them to greatness. They need to believe in themselves and keep pushing forward.
Another key takeaway is the importance of responsibility. A superhero isn’t just about power—it’s about how you use it. When we gain knowledge, skills, or influence, we have a duty to use them for good. Just like the famous Spider-Man quote, “With great power comes great responsibility.”
How did you develop the characters in your book?
The characters in my book are deeply personal because they reflect my own life experiences.
Captain Garuda’s wings symbolize freedom—freedom from limitations, self-doubt, and the physical and mental chains that hold us back. Before my weight loss journey, I felt trapped. My body was restricting me, my health was deteriorating, and I was unable to live the life I wanted. When I finally freed myself from those struggles, I felt as though I had grown wings. I could run marathons, train like an athlete, and truly enjoy life again.
The antagonist, Nyarugongo, represents the negative forces that try to drag us down. Whether it’s self-doubt, criticism from others, or external obstacles, we all have our own “villains” to battle. By overcoming them, we become stronger.
You mentioned facing a lot of challenges while writing the book. What were some of the biggest hurdles you had to overcome?
There were many! The first challenge was coming up with a unique storyline. Initially, I wanted to base it on historical events, like Indonesia’s struggle for independence. However, I realized that would make it feel too much like a copy of Captain America. I wanted to create something original that resonated with both children and adults.
Another major challenge came from my personal life. In 2023, while writing the book, I experienced a near-fatal health crisis. One day, I felt what I believed was a heart attack while driving. My heart rate skyrocketed to over 200 beats per minute. I had to make a split-second decision—should I stop, call for help, or push through? I chose to keep driving to the hospital. By the time I arrived, the doctors said I was moments away from collapsing. That experience was terrifying, but it reinforced my determination to complete the book. I realized that life is unpredictable, and if we have a message to share, we must do it now.
For aspiring writers, especially children who dream of writing a book, what advice would you give them?
The most important advice I can give is to believe in your story. Every writer starts as a beginner, and it’s okay to make mistakes. The key is to keep writing, refining, and learning from feedback.
I also encourage young writers to observe the world around them. Stories are everywhere—in everyday experiences, in struggles, in victories, and even in failures. If they stay curious and pay attention to life, they will find inspiration in unexpected places.
And most importantly, never give up. Writing a book is not easy, but persistence is what separates successful authors from those who never finish.
You’ve accomplished so much, and I understand that your book is available in multiple stores. Where can readers find it?
Yes! The book is available on Amazon, Walmart, and several other online bookstores. If you search for Captain Garuda, Terp Raveli, and Big Heart, you’ll find it easily.
Are you planning to write a sequel or another book?
Yes! My next book, The Punch of Freedom, tells the story of an Indonesian man whose father is falsely imprisoned due to a scam. To free him, the son enters a high-stakes boxing competition. The story explores themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and fighting for justice.
That sounds like another inspiring story! Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share?
I want to remind everyone that heroes are all around us. My biggest hero is my wife—she has supported me through everything and fought for my dreams when I couldn’t see the path myself. We all have the ability to be heroes in our own way, whether it’s through kindness, hard work, or standing up for what’s right.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
They can find me on social media as Captain Garud, and I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about real-life heroes and overcoming challenges. I’d love for people to join the journey and discover the hero within themselves!
Thank you so much! This has been an amazing conversation. Your story and your book are truly inspiring, and I know many people—both kids and adults—will benefit from your message. I can’t wait to read Captain Garuda myself!
Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity.
You can find a copy of “Captain Garuda: A Tale of Bravery, Kindness, and a Big Heart” by Moaminah Hassan at Amazon, Walmart, & Barnes & Noble
