istimewakan

Istimewakan is a Malay verb meaning to grant or confer special treatment or status to someone or something. It expresses the idea of making something or someone special or privileged. The term is formed from the adjective istimewa (special) with the suffix -kan, creating a transitive verb that can be used actively or in passive form (diistimewakan). The related noun istimewaan refers to privilege or a special status, while istimewa is the adjective meaning special.

Usage of istimewakan appears primarily in formal or bureaucratic language, including government policy, law, journalism, and organizational communications. It can describe actions that confer advantages—such as exemptions, priority access, or ceremonial recognition—or the broader concept of privileging a group or individual. The voice often alternates between active mengistimewakan (to privilege) and passive diistimewakan (to be privileged).

Examples of usage include: institusi itu diistimewakan kemudahan akses, meaning the institution is accorded easier access; program ini mengistimewakan pelajar berprestasi, meaning the program privileges high-achieving students. The term’s nuance can be neutral, positive, or critical depending on context, particularly when used to discuss fairness and equality in access or opportunity.

Etymology and related terms: Istimewakan derives from istimewa with the suffix -kan to form a verb meaning “to make special” or “to privilege.” Related terms include istimewa (special) and istimewaan (privilege), as well as verbs such as mengistimewakan and diistimewakan that express active or passive privilege.