memilah

Memilah is an Indonesian verb meaning to sort, separate, or select items according to specific criteria. The action is commonly used with objects such as sampah (waste), data, or bahan (materials). In everyday language, memilah can refer to distinguishing and choosing among options or categories.

Etymology and form: Memilah derives from the root pilah, which means to separate into groups. The prefix me- forms an active verb, indicating the act of performing the sorting. The noun form pemilahan refers to the process or act of sorting, while the agent noun pemilah refers to the person who sorts.

Contexts and usage: The term is widely used in waste management to describe sorting at the source, for example pemilahan sampah organik dan non-organik. It is also used in data processing or analysis (memilah data) to classify or filter information, and in procurement or quality control to distinguish between items that meet criteria and those that do not. In social and educational contexts, memilah can refer to selecting candidates or prioritizing options, though more common expressions may be used depending on the field.

Significance: Effective memilah, particularly in waste management, supports recycling, reduces contamination, and facilitates processing. Public programs often emphasize pemilahan sejak dari rumah tangga to encourage community participation. Related terms include pilah (the root), pemilahan (the process), and pemilah (the sorter).