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Learn the 3 types of Indonesian demonstrative words with clear explanations and practical examples. A complete guide to master the Indonesian grammar for beginners!
What Are Indonesian Demonstrative Words?
Indonesian demonstratives, or demonstrative pronouns, are words used to point to or refer to something—whether an object, a place, or a specific direction. These words help make sentences clearer and more precise. Without the correct demonstrative, listeners or readers might misunderstand your intended meaning.
If you are new to Indonesian grammar, you may also want to explore other essential categories such as Indonesian pronouns (kata ganti orang) and Indonesian numbers to build a strong foundation.
Main Functions of Indonesian Demonstrative Words:
- Indicate the object being discussed.
- Describe a location or place.
- Show direction, origin, or destination.
- Clarify the meaning of a sentence.
- Make sentences more specific.
Mastering demonstrative words is essential because they can determine the overall meaning of a sentence. Misusing demonstratives can confuse your listener. Small mistakes, such as saying “Saya pergi di sekolah” (when it should be “ke sekolah”) are common among foreign learners.
If you struggle with negation in Indonesian, check out our guide to Indonesian negative sentences (kalimat negasi) for extra clarity.
This article will help you master all types of demonstrative words in Indonesian in an easy and practical way.
3 Types of Indonesian Demonstrative Words
1. Kata Tunjuk Benda: Ini dan Itu
This demonstrative is used to indicate objects based on their distance from the speaker.
A. “Ini” – Untuk Benda Dekat
Use “ini” to refer to something close to the speaker, either physically or conceptually.
Examples:
Ini buku saya.
→ This is my book (the book is in hand or near the speaker)
Ini makanan favorit saya.
→ This is my favorite food (the food is on the plate or being held)
Ini rumah yang saya ceritakan kepada kamu.
→ This is the house I told you about (the house is clearly visible)
B. “Itu” – Untuk Benda Jauh
Use “itu” to refer to something far away or not within immediate reach.
Examples:
Itu mobil yang mahal.
→ That is an expensive car (the car is visible in the distance)
Itu restoran yang terkenal.
→ That is a famous restaurant (the restaurant is located far away)
Itu masalah besar.
→ That is a big problem (a problem that has passed or will come, not the current situation)
2. Kata Tunjuk Tempat: Sini, Situ, Sana
This demonstrative indicates a location based on the speaker’s position.
A. “Sini” – Tempat Dekat Pembicara
Use “sini” to indicate a place that is close to the speaker. It’s typically used when the speaker is at or very near the location.
Examples:
Duduklah di sini.
→ Sit here (a seat close to the speaker).
Datanglah ke sini.
→ Come over here (inviting someone to approach the speaker).
Suasana di sini sangat tenang.
→ The atmosphere here is very calm (the speaker is at that place).
“B. Situ” – Tempat Jarak Sedang
Use “situ” to indicate a place that is at a medium distance—not too close, but not too far either. This “middle distance” concept is unique in Indonesian.
Examples:
Taruh tasnya di sana.
→ Put the bag there (a spot clearly visible but not close).
Mereka sedang berkumpul di sana.
→ They are gathering there (a location somewhat far but still within sight).
Restoran di sana enak.
→ The restaurant there is good (a location that’s neither near nor far).
C. “Sana” – Tempat Jauh Pembicara
Use “sana” to indicate a place far from the speaker. This location is usually out of immediate reach or not clearly visible.
Examples:
Mereka tinggal di sana.
→ They live over there (a distant location).
Pergilah ke sana.
→ Go over there (a faraway destination).
Pemandangan di sana indah.
→ The view over there is beautiful (not within immediate sight).
Simple Diagram of Demonstrative Distance for Places:
Pembicara ← [SINI] ← [SITU] ← [SANA]
(dekat) (sedang) (jauh)
3. Kata Tunjuk Arah: Di, Ke, Dari
This type is used to indicate position, direction, destination, or origin.
A. “Di” – Menunjukkan Lokasi Statis
Examples:
- Saya di rumah → (showing current location)
- Buku di atas meja → (showing the position of the book)
- Mereka di sekolah → (showing existence/presence)
- Kombinasi: di sini, di situ, di sana
B. “Ke” – Menunjukkan Tujuan atau Arah
Examples:
- Saya pergi ke sekolah → (showing destination)
- Kirim surat ke Jakarta → (showing direction of delivery)
- Pindah ke rumah baru → (showing purpose of relocation)
- Kombinasi: ke sini, ke situ, ke sana
C. “Dari” – Menunjukkan Asal atau Sumber
Examples:
- Saya berasal dari Jakarta → (place of origin)
- Belajar dari guru → (source of information)
- Mulai dari sekarang → (starting point of time)
- Kombinasi: dari sini, dari situ, dari sana
Want to make your sentences sound more natural? Check our article on typical Indonesian greetings (sapaan khas), which often combine with these directional words.
Indonesian Demonstratives Practice Questions
Try this exercise to test your understanding:
A. Multiple Choice:
“Tolong ambil buku yang ada di meja ___.” (buku berada 2 meter dari Anda)
a) ini
b) itu
c) sini“Saya akan pergi ___ pasar untuk membeli sayuran.”
a) di
b) ke
c) dari“Mereka sedang bermain ___ taman.” (lokasi statis)
a) di
b) ke
c) dari“Kemarilah ___ !” (mengajak mendekati pembicara)
a) situ
b) sana
c) sini“Adik saya belajar ___ guru privat.”
a) di
b) ke
c) dari“___ makanan kesukaan saya.” (makanan di piring di hadapan Anda)
a) Ini
b) Itu
c) Sana“Mereka tinggal ___ Amerika.” (negara yang jauh)
a) di sini
b) di situ
c) di sana“Surat ini datang ___ kantor pos pusat.”
a) di
b) ke
c) dari
B. Fill in the Blanks:
- “Taruh tas ___ saja.” (tempat yang tidak jauh dari pembicara
- “Saya berangkat ___ rumah pukul 7 pagi.”
- “Pemandangan ___ sangat indah.” (tempat yang jauh)
- “___ adalah ponsel terbaru.” (ponsel di tangan Anda)
- “Mereka akan pindah ___ Bandung bulan depan.”
- “Duduk ___ sebelah saya.” (tempat dekat dengan pembicara)
- “Cuaca ___ sering hujan.” (kota yang jauh dari pembicara)
Conclusion
Even if you’re a beginner, mastering Indonesian demonstratives isn’t difficult if you understand the three main types:
Demonstratives for objects (ini/itu – this/that)
Demonstratives for places (sini/situ/sana – here/there/over there)
Demonstratives for direction (di/ke/dari – at/to/from)
Tips for Beginners:
Pay attention to near–medium–far distances.
Understand static (di) vs. dynamic (ke/dari).
Practice directly in conversation.
By combining these with other essential grammar points like Indonesian interrogative words (kata tanya), you’ll soon be speaking more naturally and confidently.
With proper understanding and consistent practice, you’ll get used to using demonstrative words correctly, making your communication clearer and more natural.
