fakta

Fakta is a statement or assertion about reality that can be proven true or false through evidence, observation, or reliable sources. In Indonesian and Malay, the word fakta denotes verifiable information and is commonly used in journalism, education, science, and everyday discourse. The English word fact shares the same meaning, and in these languages fakta is a direct loanword representing the same concept.

Facts are typically understood as objective elements of the world, whereas opinions express beliefs, judgments, or interpretations. However, the status of a fact can depend on evidence, methodological standards, and context; what counts as a fact may evolve with new data or better measurement techniques. Reliable facts are supported by verifiable sources such as measurements, documents, experiments, or credible authorities.

In practice, fact verification is central to journalism, science, and public discourse. Techniques include source checking, replicable methods, transparent documentation, and peer or editorial review. The rise of digital information has increased the importance of fact-checking to distinguish factual claims from misinformation and disinformation, whether accidental or deliberate.

Etymologically, the term fakta in Indonesian and Malay is a loanword from the English word fact, itself derived from Latin. The concept underpins many fields of inquiry and everyday reasoning, where distinguishing fact from belief is essential for informed decision-making.