Diplomacy over Glasses in Kuala Lumpur: Savoring Satay, Weaving Brotherhood
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — In a hotel in central Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday evening 24 February 2026, the time for breaking the fast was only minutes away. In the warm meeting room, a man in a batik shirt stood greeting guests one by one. Firm handshakes, inquiries after wellbeing, and exchanging business cards filled the space before the Maghrib call to prayer. The man was the Republic of Indonesia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Malaysia, Dato’ Mohammad Iman Hascarya.
He has only been in Kuala Lumpur for a month. Specifically, a month effectively serving as ambassador. So this Ramadhan iftar with Malaysia’s mainstream media was not just a regular breaking of the fast. It was an introduction, a chance to lock eyes, and, most importantly, to empty glasses to be refilled with friendship.
There were more than a dozen senior journalists present. From BERNAMA, Malaysia’s national news agency, to Malaysia Kini, Berita Harian, Free Malaysia Today, and New Straits Times. They sat cross-legged, relaxing after a day of work, welcoming the KBRI invitation which has long been known as the embassy most open to local media.
“I am Alyaa from Malaysia Kini. Our focus on Indonesia tends to be on migrant workers. We often work with Indonesian media,” Alyaa Alhadjri introduced herself in late February. Her eyes sparkled, like a sea of issues waiting to be explored.
Nazmi Yaakub from Berita Harian also spoke up. “Many other ambassadors send pieces to our media. The US ambassador, the Chinese ambassador. If Dato’ Iman wants to contribute, please do,” he quipped, met with light laughter from the attendees.
Ambassador Iman listened intently. His face showed the sincerity of a diplomat who understands well: in a democracy, the media is a bridge that cannot be ignored. Especially in Malaysia, a kin country whose relations with Indonesia are like water and a lake—sometimes clear, sometimes rippling, but never dry.
As Maghrib prayer tolled, everyone moved to the hotel prayer room. The sound of takbir echoed, stirring the souls who had endured thirst all day. After prayers, they returned to the dining room. The buffet had been laid out: the legendary bubur lambuk, the smoking satay, the traditional fish head curry that tempts, kerabu sotong, fried chicken, roti john, martabak, and fried tempeh, deliberately presented as a reminder of home.
Ambassador Iman began his breaking of the fast with martabak and fried snacks. Simple, like the way this diplomat builds relationships: without pretence, without distance. While the journalists ate beef curry and satay, conversation flowed again. Glasses of teh tarik, coffee, and juice accompanied the increasingly lively discussions.
“Feeling the pressure yet, Sir, after a month as ambassador?” asked one journalist playfully.
Ambassador Iman laughed heartily. “I enjoy my job. I like what I do,” he replied. “Besides, Malaysia is special. It is among the top four investor countries in Indonesia. Our languages are the same, our customs the same. So it is not unfamiliar.”
He then spoke about President Prabowo Subianto’s priority programme: Makan Bergizi Gratis (MBG). Tens of millions of meals have been distributed. There is a dedicated body that oversees hygiene and distribution. Malaysian media watched with enthusiasm. For them, this is not just news, but a piece of the mosaic of bilateral relations that influence each other.