pertiwi

Pertiwi is a term used in Indonesian and Javanese to denote the land, the earth, or the homeland. In cultural and literary contexts, it is often personified as Ibu Pertiwi, meaning Mother Earth, or simply as Pertiwi, standing for the soil and natural wealth of a country. The word is commonly associated with Indonesia and is used to evoke national identity, patriotism, and reverence for the land.

Etymology and usage. Pertiwi is believed to derive from the Sanskrit word Prithvi, meaning earth, which entered Malay and Indonesian through historical linguistic contact. Over time, Pertiwi evolved into a poetic and symbolic term in Indonesian language, frequently capitalized when referring to the personified land. In songs, poetry, and school literature, Ibu Pertiwi embodies the relationship between people and their homeland, linking soil, nature, and national belonging.

Cultural significance. As a cultural symbol, Pertiwi appears in patriotic expressions and national discourse to evoke care for the land, unity, and gratitude toward the country. It is often invoked in contexts celebrating Indonesia’s natural resources, landscapes, and the responsibilities of citizens to protect and nurture the homeland. While most commonly tied to Indonesia, the concept of a personified earth or motherland appears in various Southeast Asian literatures and traditions under similar names or motifs.

See also: Ibu Pertiwi, Tanah Air, Prithvi, Bumi.