membudaya

Membudaya is an Indonesian verb that refers to the process of embedding, inculcating, or normalizing cultural practices, values, or norms within a group, organization, or society. It is used to describe efforts to make certain behaviors or attitudes part of a shared culture, such as adopting a work ethic, safety norms, or civic responsibilities.

The term is built on the noun budaya (culture) with the active prefix me-. In practice, the causative form membudayakan is more common when describing deliberate efforts to establish a culture, such as “membudayakan nilai integritas” (to cultivate the value of integrity) or “membudayakan disiplin kerja” (to instill work discipline). In some contexts, membudaya may appear but is often understood through the related form membududayakan or pembudayaan, which denotes the process itself.

Usage and context: membudaya is frequently found in sociocultural, educational, and organizational discourse. It highlights intentional socialization or policy design aimed at shaping habits, attitudes, and practices to fit a desired cultural pattern. The concept differs from simply describing existing culture; it emphasizes active cultivation and normalization over time.

Related terms include pembudayaan (the process of culturalization), membudayakan (to inculcate a culture), budaya kerja (work culture), and budaya organisasi (organizational culture). While the exact nuance can vary by context, the core idea is turning particular values or practices into a lasting cultural norm.