The Term 'Wanita' and 'Perempuan' in Bahasa

I like the way Barlow trace the word Funu, Guojia, and Jiating which mean Chinese women, Chinese state, and Chinese family. It shows me that language actually reflects and reinforces our cultural values. Words or terms come with a certain history and changes of the meaning.

There are the word wanita and perempuan in Bahasa that mean woman. During Soeharto regime, wanita was commonly used rather than “perempuan”. The word wanita in the context of Javanese palace refers to tenderness, delicacy, modesty, obedience, dependence, and femininity. There is also common perception that explains the root of the word wanita. It is derived from Javanese language “wani” (willingness) and “ditoto” (being set up). Therefore, when gender equality movement emerges in Indonesia, activists deconstruct this word. Women activist insist the use of the word perempuan. Because etymologically, this word is derived from empu which means “master, those who have skill and power, leader, upstream, or the greatest.” Perempuan is also associated with ampu which means “support, govern, safety guard and guardian”. It is also said mengampu which means “hold and support for something else”.

Thus, although past time wanita was considered as having higher meaning that perempuan, now it is changed. Perempuan is more commonly used in Indonesia to refer to woman.

Source:
link
_________________________________________