On 26 May 2025, I had the pleasure of welcoming Associate Professor Hazmi Rusli as a guest lecturer in my Master’s course at the Geomatics Engineering Program, Universitas Gadjah Mada. A/P Hazmi delivered a lecture on the complex and often sensitive topic of Indonesia–Malaysia border issues. Though the session was held online, the impact was as strong as if it were in person. I invited him not only as a fellow academic but also as an old friend—I’ve known Hazmi since 2009, back when we were both graduate students at the University of Wollongong. For me, this lecture was more than an academic event; it was a beautiful example of how genuine friendship can evolve into meaningful professional collaboration.

The main audience of this session was my class on Border Management and Maritime Boundary Delimitation, a core course in the Master’s program. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored theories and frameworks related to border governance. But theory needs grounding, and that’s precisely what A/P Hazmi provided—a real-world view from the Malaysian side of the border. His insights were not only timely but deeply relevant, offering students a richer, more nuanced understanding of what cross-border issues look like in practice.

One thing I truly appreciated was how he expressed his gratitude for the invitation, calling it a remarkable opportunity. The lecture was also attended by Dr. Subaryono, who co-teaches the Border Management course with me. We were both delighted to see how engaged the students were—questions flowed, discussions sparked, and the learning environment became vibrant and alive.

What made this lecture special was the perspective it brought. It’s not every day that our students hear directly from someone across the border—an academic who lives and researches in the country we so often discuss in class. It’s one thing to read about Malaysia–Indonesia relations in books, and quite another to engage with someone who embodies that other point of view. I believe this is exactly the kind of experience that helps students grow—broadening their perspectives, sharpening their critical thinking, and encouraging them to stay objective even when dealing with issues close to home.

At the end of the session, A/P Hazmi expressed hope that this wouldn’t be our last encounter. I couldn’t agree more. I see this as a starting point—a launchpad for deeper academic collaboration and mutual learning in the years to come.