perantaraan

Perantaraan is a noun in Indonesian and Malay that denotes the act of mediating or serving as an intermediary. It can refer to the process of bridging interests between two or more parties, or to the person or entity that performs this role. The word derives from antara, meaning between, with the prefix pe- producing a noun that denotes an activity or state.

In commerce and everyday life, perantaraan describes middlemen, brokers, agents, or intermediaries who connect buyers and sellers, suppliers and customers, or service providers and users. Examples include real estate agents, import–export brokers, and online platforms that facilitate transactions between parties. In business, contracts may contain provisions about the duties and compensation of a perantara.

In law and dispute resolution, mediation as a form of perantaraan aims to help parties reach an agreement without formal litigation. The term emphasizes the intermediary role, whereas specific legal regimes regulate mediators’ duties, confidentiality, and neutrality. Some jurisdictions require accreditation or registration for professional mediators.

In the digital era, perantaraan also covers electronic intermediaries (perantara elektronik) that enable e-commerce, payment services, or information exchange. This raises issues of trust, data protection, liability, and platform governance.

Ethical considerations include avoiding conflicts of interest, ensuring transparency, and upholding professional standards. While the term broadly covers mediation and intermediary functions, its exact meaning can vary by legal system, industry, and cultural context.