Lengser

Lengser is an Indonesian and Malay verb meaning to abdicate or resign from a position of authority, such as a monarch, sultan, president, or other leader. The term is commonly used in historical and political contexts in Indonesia, Malaysia, and other Malay-speaking regions. It can be used intransitively, as in ia lengser dari tahta (he abdicates the throne) or ia lengser dari jabatannya (he steps down from his post), and transitively with a direct object, as in lengserkan sang penguasa (to cause the ruler to abdicate).

Etymology and usage notes: Lengser originates in Indonesian and Malay vocabulary and is closely associated with the act of stepping down from power. It often carries a formal or historical tone, particularly when describing rajas, sultans, or other traditional rulers. In modern political contexts, lengser can describe voluntary resignations, removals, or forced departures, though more common contemporary terms for such events include mengundurkan diri or resign.

Historical and contemporary context: In historical chronicles, rulers who stepped down or were compelled to leave the throne are described as lengser. In contemporary politics, the term may appear in news reports and analyses of leadership transitions, especially in regions with traditional monarchies or in stylistic journalism that references historical practices. While lengser emphasizes the act of stepping down, other phrases may emphasize the method or cause, such as resignation, impeachment, or constitutional pressure.

See also: Abdication, Resignation, Dethronement, Leadership transition.