My piece on the passing of Prof. Hasjim Djalal somehow made its way to his son, Dino Patti Djalal. I have known Pak Dino for a couple of years, and he has been a great inspiration to me, especially in public speaking. So, when he reached out to me, it was already an honor. But what made it even more special was his request—he wanted to interview me about his father, Prof. Hasjim Djalal.
It did not take me long to say yes—of course! I flew to Jakarta from Yogyakarta on February 7, 2025, for the interview. Pak Dino is working on a documentary film about his father, and he is taking it very seriously. He invited a number of people to share their reflections on Prof. Hasjim, and I was fortunate to be one of them. Among the interviewees was Pak Marty Natalegawa, a towering figure in Indonesia’s diplomacy. To be in such company was truly an honor.
The interview itself was an incredible experience—a deeply engaging and heartfelt 40-minute conversation. Pak Dino asked questions not just as a filmmaker, but as a son who deeply respected and admired his father. His love and reverence for Prof. Hasjim were evident in every question he posed. It was clear that this was more than just an interview—it was a tribute, a son’s way of celebrating the extraordinary life of his father.
For me, it was effortless to share stories about Prof. Hasjim, a man I have long admired. The conversation flowed naturally, uninterrupted, as we exchanged memories and insights. At the end of the session, Pak Dino’s video team mentioned that my interview was one of the longest—if not the longest—they had recorded. That, to me, was a sign of how much we both enjoyed remembering and honoring Prof. Hasjim together.
A small personal highlight—I flew business class to Jakarta and back to Yogyakarta, a rare privilege for me. I also stayed at Le Meridien, all arranged by Pak Dino. But this was never about the flight or the accommodations. More than anything, it was a reflection of Pak Dino’s deep respect and admiration for his father. Through him, we are reminded of the profound way we should honor and cherish our parents.
Thank you, Pak Dino, for this incredible experience.