pedang

Pedang is the Indonesian and Malay term for a sword, a long bladed weapon designed for cutting and thrusting. The word is native to Austronesian languages and is used in historical and contemporary contexts to refer to a variety of sword types. In general, pedang denotes a blade that is long and handled with a grip, sometimes including a guard, and it may be straight or slightly curved.

In traditional weaponry, pedang was used across the Indonesian archipelago and Malay-speaking regions by infantry and elites alike. It appeared in warfare, duels, and ceremonial settings, and it also figured in local martial arts training, such as silat, where different pedang forms emphasize both cutting and thrusting techniques. Regional variations existed in blade shape, length, and hilt construction, reflecting local steel-making practices and aesthetics.

Manufacture historically involved forging steel or iron, with local tempering and finishing techniques. Some blades were crafted with distinctive temper lines or patterning, depending on regional smithing traditions. The pedang’s practicality diminished with the advent of firearms and modern steel weapons, but it remained a cultural symbol and collectible artifact.

Today, pedang persists as a cultural item in museums, performances, films, and traditional festivals in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is valued for its historical significance, craftsmanship, and role in the martial and ceremonial heritage of the region.