Pengkritik

Pengkritik is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to refer to a person who critiques works of art, literature, film, music, or culture. The word is formed from the root kritik (critique) with the agentive prefix peng-, conveying the idea of someone who performs criticism.

In usage, pengkritik can denote both professional critics and knowledgeable amateurs. They may work for newspapers, magazines, radio or television programs, online platforms, or academic institutions. The label can apply to reviewers who publish short evaluations as well as to writers who produce longer critical essays and contextual analysis.

The functions of a pengkritik include analyzing a work’s form, technique, and themes; situating it within broader cultural or historical contexts; identifying strengths and weaknesses; and offering interpretations or recommendations for audiences. Through their assessments, pengkritik can influence public reception, guide audience expectations, and contribute to ongoing conversations about art and culture.

Criticism by pengkritik often involves subjective judgment, informed by criteria such as originality, craft, coherence, and impact. As with any evaluative practice, it can provoke debate and controversy, and it may be shaped by personal or institutional biases. Transparency about criteria and methods is commonly advocated to maintain credibility.

Related terms include kritikus (critic), which is a more general or formal term for a person who critiques, and ulasan (review). In practice, pengkritik and kritikus are sometimes used interchangeably, with pengkritik emphasizing the active practice of critique.