Malaysian actor Hazman Al Idrus learns Indonesian dialects to break into film industry

Inspired by the success of Malaysian actors like Bront Palarae and Miller Khan in the Indonesian film industry, 31-year-old Hazman Al Idrus has relocated to Indonesia to pursue his own acting career.

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It's not about sulking because I act solely to earn a living. It's not that I haven't tried in my own country, but perhaps at that time, there was no fortune.

Al Idrus, whose full name is Syed Muhammad Hazman bin Syed Yusof Al-Idrus, stated that he harbors no resentment towards the Malaysian arts industry. Instead, he views his move as an opportunity to explore different avenues for his livelihood. "It's not about sulking because I act solely to earn a living. It's not that I haven't tried in my own country, but perhaps at that time, there was no fortune," he explained.

He noted that many of his local dramas and telemovies did not elevate his profile, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to production shutdowns globally, further complicated matters. "Most of the dramas and telemovies I acted in locally did not raise my name. Not that I didn't try, but I faced difficulties breaking into the local market. At the same time, the pandemic that spread worldwide about seven years ago caused many production companies to 'close shop'," he said.

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Most of the dramas and telemovies I acted in locally did not raise my name. Not that I didn't try, but I faced difficulties breaking into the local market. At the same time, the pandemic that spread worldwide about seven years ago caused many production companies to 'close shop'.

Al Idrus began planning his move to Indonesia around 2017, dedicating six years to thorough preparation, including in-depth study of the Indonesian film industry. He arrived in Indonesia in 2022, feeling well-prepared. However, he acknowledged that securing roles in Indonesia presents its own challenges due to the country's linguistic diversity.

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Indeed, the language of mediation there is Indonesian. But they have various dialects. That's why Malaysian actors who don't master Indonesian dialects, who merely know standard Indonesian, rise slowly.

"Indeed, the language of mediation there is Indonesian. But they have various dialects. That's why Malaysian actors who don't master Indonesian dialects, who merely know standard Indonesian, rise slowly," he observed. To overcome this, Al Idrus invested time in learning Indonesian dialects and culture, working with professional language tutors and practicing through interactions with Indonesian colleagues. "That's why I took the time to learn and study Indonesian language and culture. Alhamdulillah, what I did has been successful. Mastering Indonesian dialects is important for those who want to penetrate the film market there," he added.

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That's why I took the time to learn and study Indonesian language and culture. Alhamdulillah, what I did has been successful. Mastering Indonesian dialects is important for those who want to penetrate the film market there.