Basic Bahasa Indonesia Words: Work and Employment

Navigating the professional world in a new country can be tough, but knowing the right words and phrases makes it easier. Here’s the key vocabulary you need for professions, workplace environments, and job-related activities in Indonesia. Let’s get you prepped for your career journey!

Professions and Occupations (Profesi dan Pekerjaan)

Here are some common job titles you’ll need to know:

  • Dokter – Doctor
  • Guru – Teacher
  • Insinyur – Engineer
  • Pengacara – Lawyer
  • Perawat – Nurse
  • Akuntan – Accountant
  • Arsitek – Architect
  • Koki – Chef
  • Polisi – Police officer
  • Pemadam kebakaran – Firefighter

Example Scenario: Talking About Your Job

A: “Apa pekerjaan kamu?” (What do you do for a living?)


B: “Saya seorang insinyur.” (I’m an engineer.)

Workplace Environment (Lingkungan Kerja)

These terms will help you talk about your day-to-day work environment:

  • Kantor – Office
  • Ruang rapat – Meeting room
  • Meja – Desk
  • Komputer – Computer
  • Ponsel – Mobile phone
  • Email – Email
  • Proyek – Project
  • Tim – Team
  • Bos – Boss
  • Rekan kerja – Colleague

Example Scenario: Discussing the Workplace

A: “Di mana ruang rapatnya?” (Where is the meeting room?)


B: “Ruang rapat ada di lantai dua.” (The meeting room is on the second floor.)

Here are phrases for common job-related tasks:

  • Rapat – Meeting
  • Presentasi – Presentation
  • Laporan – Report
  • Tugas – Task
  • Tenggat waktu – Deadline
  • Lembur – Overtime
  • Pelatihan – Training
  • Promosi – Promotion
  • Gaji – Salary
  • Bonus – Bonus

Example Scenario: Talking About Work Tasks

A: “Apakah Anda sudah menyelesaikan laporan itu?” (Have you finished that report?)


B: “Ya, saya baru saja mengirimkannya melalui email.” (Yes, I just sent it via email.)

Job Hunting and Applications (Mencari Kerja dan Lamaran)

When you’re on the hunt for a job, these terms will come in handy:

  • Lowongan kerja – Job vacancy
  • Lamaran kerja – Job application
  • Wawancara – Interview
  • Daftar riwayat hidup – Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Surat lamaran – Cover letter
  • Pengalaman kerja – Work experience
  • Kualifikasi – Qualifications
  • Perekrutan – Recruitment
  • Gaji yang diharapkan – Expected salary
  • Referensi – References

Example Scenario: Job Interview

Pewawancara (Interviewer): “Ceritakan tentang pengalaman kerja Anda.” (Tell me about your work experience.)


Pelamar (Applicant): “Saya punya pengalaman lima tahun sebagai akuntan.” (I have five years of experience as an accountant.)

With these essential work and employment phrases, you’ll be ready to tackle the professional world in Indonesia. Whether discussing your job, working on a project, or applying for a new position, these Indonesian terms will help you communicate smoothly and confidently. Good luck with your career journey!

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