membungkam

Membungkam is an Indonesian verb meaning to silence, hush, or suppress speech, or to quiet information. It is formed from the root bungkam, meaning silent, with the affix me- that marks a transitive, active verb. The subject of the act is typically a person or a source of information, while the object is what is silenced.

In usage, membungkam can refer to physical quieting—telling someone to lower their voice—as well as to figurative acts of suppression, such as censorship, coercion, or policies intended to stifle discussion or criticism. The term often carries a negative connotation, particularly in political or social contexts where freedom of expression is seen as at stake. It can be used descriptively to report actions, or critically to accuse authorities or groups of attempting to silence opponents.

Contexts commonly described with membungkam include political dissent, media censorship, and legal measures that curb speech. Phrases may describe efforts to membungkam kritik, membungkam wawancara, or membungkam informasi. The nuance depends on how explicitly coercion or intimidation is implied in the act of silencing.

Related terms include pembungkam (the act or agent of silencing) and pembungkaman (the act of silencing or the state of being silenced). Antonyms or alternatives focus on allowing expression, such as membebaskan berkumpulnya pendapat or melonggarkan kebebasan berekspresi.