berlaku

Berlaku is a verb in Indonesian and Malay that means to be in effect, to apply, or to be valid. It is used to indicate that a rule, law, regulation, contract, offer, or price has current authority or applicability. The term can describe something that is currently binding or enforceable, and is often used in official or formal contexts.

As a usage element, berlaku is typically followed by phrases that specify scope or time. Common constructions include mulai berlaku (to take effect), berlaku sejak (in force since), berlaku bagi semua orang (applicable to everyone), and berlaku untuk (apply to). It is also used with masa berlaku (validity period) to indicate how long something remains in effect, and with tidak berlaku lagi or sudah tidak berlaku to express that something is no longer in effect.

In legal and administrative language, berlaku is employed for laws, regulations, policies, agreements, and official notices. For example, Peraturan ini mulai berlaku pada tanggal 1 Januari, 2025. Kebijakan ini berlaku untuk semua karyawan. Surat ini berlaku sebagai bukti identitas. The nuance is that "berlaku" emphasizes current legitimacy and practical applicability rather than inherent existence.

Etymologically, berlaku derives from the root laku with the prefix ber-, conveying the sense of having or characterized by being in effect. In everyday usage, it conveys timing, scope, and authority, making it a common and essential term in formal Indonesian and Malay discourse. See also masa berlaku, berlaku surut, and kebijakan.