perantara

Perantara is a term used in Indonesian and Malay languages to describe a person or entity that acts between two or more parties to facilitate a transaction, negotiation, or communication. In English, related concepts include mediator, broker, intermediary, and agent.

Perantara often operates by connecting buyers and sellers, arranging terms, providing information, and coordinating documents. They may receive a commission or fee for their services and can perform advisory or logistical functions depending on the sector, such as real estate, commerce, finance, or e-commerce platforms.

In many jurisdictions, intermediaries are subject to laws and professional standards designed to prevent conflicts of interest, misrepresentation, and fraud. Licensing, registration, and consumer-protection requirements may apply in sectors such as financial services, property, or futures trading, where a perantara acts as a regulated bridge between parties.

Perantara is a broad term that can overlap with related roles such as agen or makelar. While all share the function of facilitating exchanges, the exact duties, obligations, and penalties depend on local law, the sector involved, and the specific agreement between parties.

Etymology: The word derives from the Indonesian and Malay antara, meaning between or among, with the suffix forming an agent noun to denote the person or entity performing the role of intermediary.