patih

Patih is a historical title used in several Javanese and Malay kingdoms, referring to the chief minister or prime minister who served the king. The term is rooted in Old Javanese and Malay political culture and is often understood as the head of the royal administration and counsel. Etymologically, it reflects a high-ranking official who acts as the king’s principal adviser and administrator, a role that combined political, and sometimes judicial, responsibilities.

In practice, the patih was responsible for shaping policy, coordinating state affairs, and overseeing the administration of government departments such as finance, law, and civil governance. The holder typically presided over the royal council, represented royal authority in its absence, and could issue decrees or directives in the king’s name. In some kingdoms, the patih also held command over portions of the military or civil administration, and in certain periods could act as regent when the king was young or unavailable. The highest patih was known as the Maha Patih, or Great Patih, a position sometimes comparable to a prime minister or vizier.

Historically, patih existed across several polities in the Indonesian archipelago, including Majapahit and other Javanese polities, as well as Malay sultanates. One of the best-known holders is Gajah Mada, traditionally identified as Maha Patih of Majapahit and associated with the empire’s expansionist policies.

Today, the title is mainly of historical and literary interest, appearing in chronicles and scholarly works rather than in contemporary government.