Perwakilan

Perwakilan is a term in Indonesian that refers to the act or result of representing someone or something. It can denote a person who acts on behalf of another, a group, an organization, or a state, as well as a formal delegation or mission to represent a country or organization in a different jurisdiction. The concept is used in politics, diplomacy, law, and business, among other fields.

Etymologically, perwakilan comes from the word wakil (representative) with the prefix per-, which signals a general function or role. In Indonesian usage, it covers both the agent (the person who represents) and the represented entity (the group or state).

In politics, representation concerns how citizens are expressed in governance. Elected representatives speak for voters, make policy decisions, and are held accountable through elections. In Indonesia, the term is reflected in institutions such as the Dewan Perwakilan Rakyat (DPR) and the Dewan Perwakilan Daerah (DPD), which together form the legislative framework. The study of representation involves questions of mandate, accountability, and the balance between trusteeship and delegation.

In diplomacy, perwakilan refers to a country’s official mission abroad, including embassies and consulates. The heads of these missions are ambassadors (duta besar), and the mission represents the home country’s interests in the host state. The term also covers delegations sent to international meetings or organizations.

In law and business, perwakilan can denote a person or entity authorized to act on another’s behalf, such as through a power of attorney or agency agreement. Corporate contexts use the term for sales representatives or other agents who operate under the authority of the company.

Perwakilan thus encompasses a broad set of meanings centered on acting for others, whether in governance, international affairs, or commerce.