Indonesians use many titles and terms of respect when speaking to one another. This signals not only respect but how you perceive the relationship. There are many regional variants that come from the varied ethnic backgrounds across the archipelago. This guide addresses those most commonly encountered in Inti Ombak Pencak Silat.
- Guru – In Indonesia this word simply means “teacher” and by default it does not necessarily imply spiritual leader or super-human mastery like it does in modern English. It is important to note that guru is not a title that can bestowed by virtue of promotion or rank. Nor should one demand others to use the term when being addressed. Guru is a reflection of how the speaker feels.
- Bapak/ Pak – The Javanese term for father and is often used when addressing an elder male. It is both the equivalent of sir and mister. Pak is an abbreviated form often used in conversation. Pronunciation note: the k in Indonesian is unaspirated unlike k in English. This means you almost don’t hear the hard kuh sound as it is swallowed before it emerges.
- Ibu / Bu – The Javanese term for mother and is often used when addressing an elder female. It can function much like ma’am or misses.
- Mas – The Javanese term for brother. This is often used when addressing a peer or when someone older is referring to a younger adult. Some older men may request that you call them Mas instead of Pak to diffuse social distance.
- Mbak – The Javanese term for sister. This is often used when addressing a peer or when someone older is referring to a younger adult. Similar to how we would use miss in English. Some older women may request that you call them Mbak instead of Pak to diffuse social distance.
- Pakdhe / Pakde – Javanese word for uncle. This is a shortened version of Pak Gede (literally big father).
- Romo – Javanese word for father. Often used for clergy or spiritual leaders. Sometimes paired with the word agung to elevate the respect/reverence.
- Adik / Dik – Indonesian / Javanese word for younger sibling. Often used to refer to a child.