Menindas

Menindas is an Indonesian verb meaning to oppress, suppress, or tyrannize. It describes the exercise of power that limits the rights or freedoms of others, and it can refer to actions by individuals, authorities, institutions, or systems.

Grammatically, menindas is a transitive verb formed with the prefix me- attached to the stem tindas. The corresponding passive form is ditindas, meaning “is oppressed” or “is being oppressed.” It appears in formal and informal discourse about power relations, justice, and governance.

In usage, menindas is often employed in discussions of political oppression, social injustice, or abusive control within organizations or households. Example sentences include: “Kebijakan itu menindas kelompok minoritas,” and “Rakyat ditindas oleh rezim.” The term carries a strong negative connotation and is used to critique unequal or coercive authority.

Nuance-wise, menindas implies systematic or pervasive abuse of power rather than a one-time act of pressure. It is frequently contrasted with verbs like menekan (to press or repress) to highlight more extensive or harmful dominance. The concept is common in human rights, political analysis, and discussions of organizational ethics.

See also: oppression, ditindas, tyranny, authoritarianism, human rights.