terlapor

Terlapor is an Indonesian term that literally means “someone who has been reported” or “a person who has made a formal complaint.” The word is derived from the root “lapor,” which means “to inform” or “to report.” In practice, terlapor is used in legal and media contexts to describe the complainant in a case, the person who triggers an investigation, or the victim who provides evidence against a defendant. For example, in criminal proceedings the police may refer to the terlapor when filing a report or when presenting testimony. The term is often paired with phrases such as “terlapor korban” (victim complainant) or “terlapor saksi” (testifying complainant). In everyday Indonesian, terlapor can also refer more generally to any individual who has reported a problem or incident to authorities or press. While not a formal legal title used in many Western legal systems, terlapor carries similar implications: it indicates the active role of the individual in initiating a legal or investigative process. The word is frequently encountered in Indonesian news articles, court documents, and public discourse on law enforcement, reflecting the nation's emphasis on civic participation in justice.