Malaysia feels like my second home: Indonesian pop diva Krisdayanti

• Published date: 16 December 2019
• Publication title: Malay Mail Online

Indonesian singer Krisdayanti looks every inch the pop diva as she strode into the interview session at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur.

All glammed up in a glittery gold creation by Jakarta-based fashion designer Anaz, the 44-year-old was in town over the weekend for a special performance at the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF)-Berjaya Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Award Gala Dinner 2019.

The singer-turned-politician says one of her key focus is providing quality healthcare to Indonesians.

The singer-turned-politician says one of her key focus is providing quality healthcare to Indonesians.

'I feel proud that tonight I'm performing and singing for a noble cause,' she said.

Asked if she was tired from her hectic schedule, she smiled and replied in Bahasa Indonesia 'sudah biasa' (I'm used to it).

Like many who have visited Malaysia, Krisdayanti looks forward to the culinary delights the city has to offer. And shopping.

'My husband came along for this trip and he was so excited to go shopping in KLCC because I told him my performance is at the Mandarin Oriental which is just next door,' she said excitedly.

'I've always considered Malaysia home because it has been a huge part of my music career since 1998 before many Indonesian artistes were known here,' said Krisdayanti, whose last concert in KL was at Istana Budaya in 2017.

She remembers her first time in KL fondly back in 1998 when she spent an entire month promoting her music under Warner Music and met Malaysian music darlings Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza, Ning Baizura and Datuk Sheila Majid.

Her beloved hit Menghitung Hari which made her a household name in Malaysia also went platinum during that trip.

'Everybody was so welcoming to accept me, not only as a foreigner singing, but they also wanted to collaborate,' she said.

On having an iconic hit like Menghitung Hari, the singer said she was thankful for evergreen songs, describing them as the gift that keeps on giving.

'I never expected to still be singing that song - I have a big appreciation from the audience and that song is the same age as my eldest daughter.

'My eldest daughter Aurel is 21 years old now and I still remember bringing her to KL for a month during the promo - it's extraordinary when you think about it,' she reminisced.

In a light-hearted moment, the singer said the best way to gauge if a song has touched the public is through taxi drivers.

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'Taxi drivers here always ask tourists from Indonesia 'Do you know the song Mengitung Hari?' so I...