Mahacaraka® Press

Indonesia, a vibrant archipelago comprising thousands of islands, is both culturally and linguistically diverse. This complicated blend is represented by the national language, Bahasa Indonesia, which incorporates elements of Arabic, Sanskrit, and European languages. However, a lesser-known but significant contributor lies beneath the surface: Hokkien, a Chinese dialect.

Hokkien is a Southern Min dialect that originated in Fujian province, China. Historically, Chinese traders, many of whom spoke Hokkien, travelled extensively throughout Southeast Asia, bringing not only unusual goods but also some of their original language. These encounters persisted for decades, leaving an enduring imprint on the languages and civilizations they encountered. In Indonesia, Hokkien’s impact may still be heard in everyday conversations, showing a long history of cultural interchange.

The relationship between Hokkien and Bahasa Indonesia dates back millennia. Around the fifteenth century, Chinese traders built commercial contacts with Southeast Asia, with many settling in Indonesia’s thriving port cities like Jakarta and Semarang. These traders established Peranakan villages, which grew and blended with the local population. Hokkien, a business and daily language, organically melded with native speech, resulting in a distinct linguistic hybrid.

During the Dutch colonial period, Hokkien’s influence grew stronger as the Dutch hired Chinese labourers. This integration enabled a lively exchange of language and culture. Words with Hokkien roots such as “pisau” (knife), “teh” (tea), and “mie” (noodles) have become staples of Indonesian language and cuisine.

Many commonly used words in Bahasa Indonesia reflect Hokkien influence. Here are few examples:

Lu: Derived from Hokkien, “lo” signifies “you” in informal circumstances and is commonly used by friends.

Gua: Another Hokkien loanword, “gw” signifies “I” or “me,” reflecting personal pronouns used in ordinary speech.

Bakso: Meaning “meatballs,” this word is derived from the Hokkien “bak-so,” demonstrating the culinary influence on Indonesian cuisine.

Mie: Derived from the Hokkien word “mi,” which means “noodles,” this name is widely used in Indonesian food culture.

Teh: The word for “tea,” derived directly from Hokkien “te.”

Pisau: Meaning “knife,” derives from the Hokkien “pi-siu.”

Bihun: This phrase, which means “rice vermicelli,” is derived from the Hokkien “bi-hun.”

Becak: A sort of rickshaw derived from the Hokkien word “be-tsia.”

Lumpia: Spring rolls comes from the Hokkien word “lun-pia.”

Kue: Meaning “cake,” this phrase is derived from Hokkien “kueh.”

Kecap: The name meaning “soy sauce,” derived from the Hokkien “ke-tsiap.”

Loteng: “Attic,” comes from Hokkien “lu-teng.”

Koko: “Older brother,” derived from Hokkien “ko-ko.”

Cici: Meaning “older sister,” derived from the Hokkien “chi-chi.”

Kongsi: The term “partnership” or “company,” derives from the Hokkien “kong-si.”

Halo: A frequent greeting, akin to “hello,” that demonstrates Hokkien influence in informal salutations.

These terms indicate how thoroughly Hokkien has permeated common Indonesian speech, owing to past connections between Chinese traders and local groups.

The significance of Hokkien goes beyond words. Peranakan populations, particularly in Medan and West Kalimantan, have established a unique cultural identity that combines Chinese and Indonesian influences. This mix is reflected in their cuisine, architecture, and social norms. For example, Peranakan cuisine includes dishes like as “lumpia” (spring rolls) and “bihun” (rice vermicelli) that mix Chinese and Indonesian flavours.

Architecturally, Peranakan houses frequently include elaborate tilework and Chinese calligraphy, acting as cultural bridges between China and Indonesia. These dwellings are not only visually appealing, but they also serve as historical markers, highlighting the long-standing presence of Hokkien speakers in Indonesia.

Indonesia’s cultural landscape reflects its history as a melting pot of various influences. The archipelago has absorbed components from numerous cultures, including Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and European, resulting in a diverse and complex society. Language, cuisine, art, and architecture all represent this cultural mix.

The presence of Hokkien in Bahasa Indonesia demonstrates how languages evolve through cultural interaction. Unlike European influences brought about by colonisation, Hokkien’s presence expanded organically via trade and community interaction. This resulted in a remarkable absorption of vocabulary, with Hokkien words woven into the fabric of everyday Indonesian speech.

While the number of Hokkien loanwords has decreased in recent years, their existence remains a vibrant reminder of the past. As Indonesia evolves, these linguistic gems serve as cultural bridges, encouraging understanding and appreciation of the country’s many influences. Efforts to revitalise Hokkien among Indonesian Chinese communities are presently underway, ensuring that the whispers of this historic language continue to ring out for future generations.

So, the next time you eat a steaming bowl of “bakso” or greet a friend with “halo,” recall the Hokkien whispers embedded in these expressions. They highlight language’s enduring strength as a tool for cultural interaction, transmitting stories from the past while improving the present. The presence of Hokkien in Bahasa Indonesia serves as a reminder that languages, like cultures, are constantly evolving, leaving their imprint on the encounters and relationships that shape our world.