Telanjang

Telanjang is a term in Indonesian (and Malay) that denotes the state of being naked or unclothed. It can describe a person who is without clothes or a surface that is uncovered. The word is used in everyday language as well as in media, education, and art contexts. Common expressions include telanjang bulat for complete nudity and telanjang dada for a bare chest. The verb form menelanjangi means to strip someone of clothes or to uncover something.

Etymology and scope: Telanjang is native to Indonesian and Malay language families and is widely understood across Indonesia and Malay-speaking regions. It contrasts with terms that describe being dressed or wearing clothes.

Context and norms: Nudity outside approved contexts is generally sensitive in Indonesian society. Public nudity or explicit sexual nudity is typically discouraged and may be restricted by law or decency norms. Media and broadcasting guidelines often limit the display of nudity to protect public morality, while allowing nudity in artistic or educational contexts under appropriate licensing, censorship, or age restrictions.

Art and media: In art settings, nude life drawing, sculpture, or photography may be permitted under controlled conditions. In journalism or entertainment, nude imagery is usually governed by consent, censorship, and content standards to avoid offense.

See also: Nudity, Nudism, Nude in art.