No, there is a huge difference between 'kawan' and 'sahabat'.

Though both mean 'friends', but 'sahabat' refers more to the 'special friend' rather than 'kawan'. If you read any sajak or puisi written to a friend, they normally use 'sahabat' because it pictures a stronger bond between the writer and his/her friend. Whereas 'kawan' is more to casual friends or acquaintances.

So, in life we can have a lot of 'kawan-s', but you can hardly find a 'sahabat'.

NOW YOU GEDDIT, AMIRUL?