Portrait of Fajar Gusti Proposing to Zahra After Being Declared the Winner of Masterchef Season 12, Initially Thought to be Staged

Meeting at the Masterchef Indonesia event, Zahra and Fajar Gusti Pangestu turned out to have a location-based romance, or cinlok. This relationship became public knowledge since March 2025, when the judges asked if there was a special relationship between Zahra and Fajar, which indeed turned out to be true. "Are you dating? Zahra, have you been asked out?" asked Chef Rudi. Zahra answered by nodding in agreement.

The surprise regarding Zahra's relationship status with Fajar did not stop at the fact that they are dating. When Fajar was declared the winner of Masterchef Indonesia season 12 on Saturday, (17/5), Fajar surprised everyone again.

After receiving the Masterchef trophy, Fajar knelt down and proposed to Zahra in the studio where they were filming. Zahra, who was unaware that she was going to be proposed to, was truly shocked by Fajar's proposal.

"Zahra, I know, we just started. But I feel like everything I've been looking for is in you. So, will you marry me?" asked Fajar. "Of course I will," replied Zahra, accepting Fajar's proposal with a big smile.

"Is this a setup? This isn't a setup?" asked Zahra after receiving the ring from Fajar. She still seemed unable to believe that she had just been proposed to by the man who had only been her boyfriend for a few months.

Chef Renatta, who witnessed this moment, was truly shocked. In the midst of the crowd, Renatta couldn't hide her shocked expression when she saw Fajar proposing to Zahra, whom he had only known for a few months.

"Who chose the ring? Is it perfect?" Zahra asked. Fajar revealed that it was his mother who chose the ring. "Thank you so much for this (engagement ring). Thank you so much," Zahra said.