Dataran

Dataran is a Malay and Indonesian term that denotes a flat, broad area. In geography it can refer to landforms such as plains (dataran rendah) and plateaus (dataran tinggi). The word comes from the root datar, meaning flat or level, with the suffix -an forming a noun. In geographic usage, dataran describes natural open spaces and is commonly used in topographic names.

In urban contexts, dataran often refers to a public square or plaza. In Malay-speaking areas, many cities feature a square named Dataran, which serves as a central gathering place and a focal point for events and ceremonies. A well-known example is Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, the Independence Square, which hosts national celebrations and historic events. Another example is Dataran Lang in Langkawi, also known as Eagle Square, which features a large statue of a sea eagle and is a major tourist attraction.

The term is also used in toponymy to form compound place names that indicate a central or prominent public space, such as Dataran Merdeka or other local squares that may be named Dataran Putra, Dataran Ipoh, and similar variants, depending on regional naming conventions. Beyond urban usage, dataran remains a generic descriptor for flat, expansive spaces in natural terrain.

Overall, dataran functions as both a geographic descriptor for flat landforms and a common name component for important public spaces in Malay- and Indonesian-speaking regions.