perdamaian

Perdamaian is the Indonesian and Malay term for peace. It denotes the state of social harmony, the absence of violent conflict, and the normalization of relations after dispute. The concept spans political, social, and spiritual dimensions and can refer to international peace, national reconciliation, or community harmony. In formal discourse, perdamaian is used to describe processes and outcomes rather than the mere absence of war.

Etymology and usage: The word is formed from the prefix per- and damai, meaning peace or calm. In Indonesian and Malay, perdamaian is a formal term common in diplomacy, law, and policy, often appearing in phrases such as perdamaian nasional (national peace), perjanjian perdamaian (peace agreement), and proses perdamaian (peace process). It contrasts with more everyday expressions like damai, which can refer to personal tranquility or general harmony.

Context: Perdamaian is used to describe attempts to resolve conflicts through negotiation, reconciliation, or ceasefires, as well as post-conflict rebuilding and transitional justice. It may be pursued at local, national, or international levels and can intersect with human rights, development, and reconciliation efforts. In religious and cultural contexts, perdamaian is celebrated as a state of harmony among people, communities, and, in some traditions, with the divine.

Related terms and concepts include damai, perdamaian nasional, perjanjian damai, and proses perdamaian. The term is primarily employed in formal or institutional language and serves as a central idea in discussions of conflict resolution, diplomacy, and long-term social stability.