Learning legal terminology in a foreign language can be a daunting but rewarding task. For those interested in Indonesian, understanding legal terms is essential, especially if you are planning to work, study law, or engage in any legal matters in Indonesia. This article covers some of the most commonly used legal terms in the Indonesian language to help you navigate legal texts, conversations, and procedures more effectively.

General Legal Terms

Hukum – This is the Indonesian word for “law.” You will encounter this term frequently in any legal context, and it can be used to refer to the entire legal system or specific laws.

Pengadilan – This translates to “court.” Indonesia has various types of courts, including Pengadilan Negeri (District Court), Pengadilan Tinggi (High Court), and Mahkamah Agung (Supreme Court).

Hakim – This word means “judge.” A hakim is responsible for interpreting the law, assessing the evidence presented, and controlling how hearings and trials unfold in their courtroom.

Pengacara – The Indonesian term for “lawyer.” Pengacara represent clients in legal proceedings and provide legal advice.

Jaksa – This term means “prosecutor.” A jaksa is responsible for presenting the case against an individual accused of breaking the law.

Criminal Law Terms

Tindak pidana – This translates to “criminal act” or “offense.” It is used to describe any action that is prohibited by law and punishable by the state.

Pidana – This means “penalty” or “punishment.” It refers to the sanctions imposed for committing a tindak pidana.

Kejahatan – This word means “crime.” It is a broad term used to describe various unlawful acts.

Tersangka – This translates to “suspect.” A tersangka is an individual who is suspected of committing a crime but has not yet been convicted.

Terpidana – This means “convict.” A terpidana is someone who has been found guilty of a crime and sentenced.

Pembelaan – This word means “defense.” In a legal context, it refers to the arguments and evidence presented to defend against criminal charges.

Civil Law Terms

Gugatan – This term means “lawsuit” or “claim.” It refers to a legal action taken by one party against another in a civil court.

Penggugat – This translates to “plaintiff.” A penggugat is the person or party who initiates a gugatan.

Tergugat – This means “defendant” in a civil case. The tergugat is the individual or party being sued.

Putusan – This word means “verdict” or “judgment.” It refers to the decision made by a hakim at the end of a legal proceeding.

Mediasi – This translates to “mediation.” It is a process in which a neutral third party helps the disputing parties to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

Arbitrase – This means “arbitration.” It is a method of resolving disputes outside of court, where an arbitrator makes a binding decision.

Contract Law Terms

Kontrak – This is the Indonesian word for “contract.” It refers to a legally binding agreement between two or more parties.

Perjanjian – This means “agreement” or “accord.” While similar to kontrak, it can refer to any kind of agreement, not necessarily a legally binding one.

Pihak – This translates to “party,” as in the parties involved in a contract or legal agreement.

Klausul – This means “clause.” It refers to a specific provision or section within a contract.

Pelanggaran – This word means “breach” or “violation.” In the context of contracts, it refers to the failure to perform as stipulated in the contract.

Sanksi – This term means “sanction” or “penalty.” It refers to the consequences or penalties for breaching a contract.

Family Law Terms

Perceraian – This translates to “divorce.” It refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage.

Pernikahan – This means “marriage.” It refers to the legally recognized union of two people.

Hak asuh – This translates to “custody.” It refers to the legal right or duty to care for a child after a divorce or separation.

Tunjangan – This term means “alimony” or “support.” It refers to the financial support provided by one ex-spouse to the other after a divorce.

Adopsi – This means “adoption.” It refers to the legal process of taking another person’s child into one’s family.

Perwalian – This translates to “guardianship.” It refers to the legal responsibility of a guardian to care for a minor or an incapacitated person.

Property Law Terms

Hak milik – This means “ownership.” It refers to the legal right to possess and use property.

Sertifikat tanah – This translates to “land certificate.” It is an official document that proves ownership of a piece of land.

Hipotek – This means “mortgage.” It refers to a loan secured by the collateral of specified real estate property.

Sewa – This term means “lease” or “rent.” It refers to the contractual arrangement where one party pays the owner for the use of an asset.

Penghuni – This translates to “tenant.” It refers to the person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord.

Penjualan – This word means “sale.” In the context of property law, it refers to the transfer of ownership of property from one person to another.

Employment Law Terms

Kontrak kerja – This means “employment contract.” It refers to a legally binding agreement between an employer and an employee.

Pekerja – This translates to “worker” or “employee.” It refers to an individual employed by an employer.

Pemberi kerja – This means “employer.” It refers to a person or organization that employs workers.

Gaji – This term means “salary” or “wage.” It refers to the monetary compensation paid to an employee for their work.

PHK – This is an abbreviation for “Pemutusan Hubungan Kerja,” which means “termination of employment.” It refers to the end of an employee’s contract with their employer.

Serikat pekerja – This translates to “labor union.” It refers to an organization that represents the collective interests of workers.

Immigration Law Terms

Visa – This is the Indonesian term for “visa.” It refers to an official endorsement on a passport that allows the holder to enter, leave, or stay in a country for a specified period.

Izin tinggal – This translates to “residence permit.” It refers to the official authorization for a foreigner to reside in Indonesia.

Deportasi – This means “deportation.” It refers to the act of expelling a foreigner from a country.

Kewarganegaraan – This translates to “citizenship.” It refers to the legal status of being a recognized member of a country.

Imigran – This means “immigrant.” It refers to a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country.

Suaka – This translates to “asylum.” It refers to the protection granted by a nation to someone who has left their native country as a political refugee.

Human Rights Terms

Hak asasi manusia – This translates to “human rights.” It refers to the basic rights and freedoms that belong to every person in the world.

Kebebasan – This means “freedom” or “liberty.” It refers to the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority.

Diskriminasi – This translates to “discrimination.” It refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex.

Penyiksaan – This means “torture.” It refers to the act of inflicting severe pain or suffering on someone as a punishment or to force them to do or say something.

Pelanggaran – This translates to “violation.” In the context of human rights, it refers to the act of disregarding or infringing upon someone’s rights.

Keadilan – This means “justice.” It refers to the quality of being fair and reasonable, and the administration of the law.

Business Law Terms

Perusahaan – This means “company” or “business.” It refers to an organization engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.

Perjanjian – This translates to “agreement” or “contract.” In the context of business law, it refers to a legally binding arrangement between parties.

Lisensi – This means “license.” It refers to the official permission to do, use, or own something.

Penggabungan – This translates to “merger.” It refers to the combination of two or more companies into a single entity.

Akta pendirian – This means “deed of establishment.” It refers to the legal document that establishes a company’s existence.

Pailit – This translates to “bankruptcy.” It refers to the legal status of a person or entity that cannot repay the debts it owes to creditors.

Learning these terms can be incredibly useful for anyone involved in legal matters in Indonesia. By familiarizing yourself with these common legal terms, you’ll be better prepared to understand and navigate the Indonesian legal system. Whether you’re reading legal documents, engaging in legal discussions, or simply trying to understand the legal framework of Indonesia, these terms will serve as a valuable resource.