konsultative

Konsultatif is an adjective used in Indonesian and Malay to describe things related to consultation or advisory functions. It often modifies nouns such as komite, badan, atau proses to indicate that the entity provides advice but does not have binding authority. The term is borrowed from French consultatif, which itself comes from Latin consultare meaning to confer or deliberate.

In political and organizational contexts, a konsultatif body is a body that offers guidance, recommendations, or expert opinions to a decision-maker while lacking legal or constitutional power to compel actions. Decisions remain with the executive, legislature, board, or other governing authority. Such bodies are designed to broaden expertise, legitimacy, or stakeholder input without replacing or superseding formal decision-making.

Types of konsultatif arrangements include advisory commissions, consultative councils, or expert panels. They are common in government, corporate governance, and international organizations. In many contexts, the English equivalents are “advisory” or “consultative” bodies or statuses. For example, international institutions may grant NGOs consultative status to participate in debates and provide information, while NGOs do not have voting rights.

Konsultatif usage is often contrasted with deliberative or legislative processes. A consultative process emphasizes gathering information and guidance rather than issuing binding decisions, whereas deliberative bodies may explore options more deeply, and legislative bodies enact laws. The term signals a non-binding yet influential role centered on counsel, expertise, and informed discussion.