jemaat

Jemaat is a term used in Indonesian and Malay to denote the congregation or community of believers within a church or denomination. It refers to both the people who make up a local church and the organizational structure that represents them. The word is used across Christian contexts in Indonesia and Malaysia, especially in Protestant churches, to describe the gathered believers and the body responsible for church life.

Etymology: Jemaat comes from the Dutch word gemeente, meaning congregation or parish, adapted into Indonesian and Malay.

Usage and organization: In many Indonesian churches, jemaat plays a central role in governance and worship. Members elect leaders and participate in deliberations through structures such as Majelis Jemaat (congregational council) and Rapat Jemaat (congregational meeting). These bodies handle worship planning, education, finances, and pastoral administration on behalf of the congregation. The term is commonly found in church newsletters, bulletins, and official documents to denote both the people and the collective body.

See also: Jamaah (congregation in Islamic contexts), paroki (Catholic parish), gereja (church).

Notes: The term emphasizes communal church life and the responsibility of believers to support and participate in the life of their local church.