bersenjata

Bersenjata is an Indonesian adjective meaning "armed" or "carrying weapons." The word is formed from the noun senjata (weapons) and the prefix ber-, which in Indonesian indicates possession or a state of being. The term is widely used in journalism, law, and academic writing to describe actors, groups, or situations in which weapons are present.

In everyday language, bersenjata can describe individuals who carry weapons, such as security personnel or criminals, as well as organized groups. Common collocations include kelompok bersenjata (armed groups), pasukan bersenjata (armed forces or armed troops), or militan bersenjata. The expression can apply to both firearms and other types of weapons, including melee tools or improvised arms, depending on the context.

In a security and legal context, bersenjata is a descriptive term rather than a legal determination. Laws regulate the possession, carrying, or use of weapons, and authorities may classify someone as armed based on legally defined criteria. Media reports often use bersenjata to describe ongoing violence or conflict without implying particular guilt.

The term is not tied to a specific political ideology and can describe both state actors (for example, armed police or military units) and non-state actors (rebels, militias, or insurgent groups) when weapons are involved. In scholarly writing, bersenjata is often qualified to convey degree or type of armament, such as noting different levels of readiness or equipment.