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
Historically, patih existed across several polities in the Indonesian archipelago, including Majapahit and other Javanese polities,
Today, the title is mainly of historical and literary interest, appearing in chronicles and scholarly works