antrean

Antrean is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to designate a line or sequence of people or things waiting to be served, admitted, or released. The word derives from the verb antri, with noun forms such as antrean and antrian used in different dialects or regions to refer to the same concept.

In daily life, antrean forms at service points such as banks, post offices, clinics, airports, ticket counters, and transit stations. The order usually follows a first-come, first-served principle, but many venues use numbered tickets (nomor antrean) or electronic displays to indicate turns and estimated wait times. Public signage, floor guides, and staff instruction help maintain order and prevent line cutting.

Etiquette and social aspects emphasize patience, courtesy, and respect for people who may need extra assistance, such as the elderly, the disabled, or parents with young children. The presence of an antrean can reflect demand levels, service capacity, and efficiency, and is often a focus in discussions about crowd management and public service design.

In the digital era, some services implement virtual queues or online check-ins to reduce physical crowding, while still maintaining an orderly sequence of service. The concept of antrean is widely understood in Indonesia and neighboring regions as a practical representation of waiting for access to resources and services.