penghasut

Penghasut is a noun in Indonesian and Malay that refers to a person who urges others to commit wrongdoing or to participate in actions that are illegal or harmful. The term is commonly used in legal, political, and journalistic contexts. The related verb menghasut means to incite, and the noun hasutan denotes the act of incitement; penghasut therefore is the agent who performs this act.

Etymology and form: Penghasut combines the agentive prefix peng- with hasut (to incite), mirroring similar word formation in Malay and Indonesian. The term carries a negative connotation, signaling responsibility for provoking others.

Usage and context: In everyday language, penghasut can describe someone who stirs up anger or tension, or who organizes a protest or riot by convincing others to join. In legal contexts, incitement to unlawful actions and incitement to hatred or violence may be described as hasutan, with penghasut as the person responsible. Penalties, where they exist, depend on national law and the specific act incited.

Examples: Media reports may label actors as penghasut when authorities accuse them of provoking crowds. In historical or political contexts, the term has often framed individuals who mobilize others to push a political agenda.

See also: hasutan, menghasut, penghasut, incitement, sedition.