Tantangan

Tantangan is a word in Malay and Indonesian that translates to "challenge" in English. It refers to a task, test, or situation that demands effort, skill, or determination to overcome. The term can describe external difficulties as well as situations that test a person’s abilities, judgment, or resolve.

Etymology and form: Tantangan is formed from the verb tantang, meaning to challenge or dare, with the nominal suffix -an. This pattern of creating nouns from verbs is common in Malay and Indonesian, yielding a broad semantic range around tests, obstacles, and opportunities for growth.

Usage: In everyday language, tantangan appears in phrases such as menghadapi tantangan (to face a challenge), mengatasi tantangan (to overcome a challenge), and tantangan besar (a major challenge). It can describe personal, organizational, or societal difficulties, and is commonly used in discussions about strategy, goals, and risk management. The term is also found in educational, corporate, and political discourse to frame problems as something to address rather than avoid.

Cultural context: Tantangan is often invoked in motivational and resilience-oriented contexts, where overcoming obstacles is linked to progress, innovation, and development. Its usage reflects a focus on problem-solving, planning, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

See also: Challenge; Tantang (verb); Menghadapi tantangan.