janji

Janji is a word used in Indonesian and Malay that denotes a promise or pledge. It can refer to a commitment made by one person to another, and in religious or ceremonial contexts it can express a vow or covenant. In everyday speech, janji commonly appears in phrases such as membuat janji (to make a promise), menepati janji (to keep a promise), and mengingkari janji or melanggar janji (to break a promise).

The term is native to Malay and Indonesian and is widely used across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and Singapore. It exists alongside related terms such as perjanjian (formal agreement) and sumpah (oath). In daily usage, variations include janji temu, which refers to an appointment or meeting time, and janji kosong, meaning an empty or hollow promise. In religious or moral discussion, phrases like janji Tuhan or janji Allah are used to speak of God’s promises.

In culture and media, janji appears in literature, songs, and conversation as a common concept reflecting trust and obligation. The word supports a range of expressions about reliability, accountability, and human relations, illustrating how promises function in personal, social, and ethical contexts.