The Word Ndasmu Has The Potential To Become A Boomerang For Prabowo Subianto

JAKARTA President Prabowo Subianto's communication style is back in the spotlight. A number of observers say that Prabowo's katindas aimed at his critics are inappropriate to be spoken by a head of state.

No president has the stick of Prophet Musa. Our country is very big. We have started several hundred people, there are still many comments. If there are no journalists, I will tell you," said Prabowo.

It was an excerpt from Prabowo Subianto's speech in commemoration of the 17th anniversary of the Gerindra Party in Sentul, Bogor, Saturday (15/2/2025). Not once, but three times the General Chairperson of Gerindra threw your Katandas.

First when Prabowo responded to criticism of his flagship program, namely Free Nutrition Food (MBG). According to Prabowo, many parties doubt the government's ability to run the program.

The word ndasmu was said again when responding to criticisms that considered the cabinet to be too fat.

"There are smart people who say, this cabinet is fat, too big...that's hard," said Prabowo.

And finally, the former Minister of Defense also used the same expression when responding to public accusations that he was controlled by Joko Widodo, the seventh president of Indonesia.

"Later, I will be said to be controlled by Mr. Jokowi, stupid... bad luck," he said again. And, on the three occasions, the laughter of invited guests were greeted.

Actually, this is not the only time Prabowo is driving an event. At the end of 2023, before the presidential election was held, Prabowo also issued the word in an internal Gerindra Party event.

"How do Mas Prabowo feel about ethics? Ethics, ethics, ethics. Ndasmutics," Prabowo said. The video clip also went viral on social media.

At that time, Prabowo said that he was conveyed in talks with internal parties. He also asked the media not to exaggerate his words.

Javanese language phylogist from Sebelas Maret University (UNS) Supardjo said, Katandas means head in Javanese. He explained, in Javanese the words used are in accordance with the level of manners when talking to other people.

Meanwhile, it is a word in Javanese, ngoko, which has the lowest level. The use of Katandas is often considered to have a rough meaning and is used to address someone.

The same thing was conveyed by UIN Linguistic Professor Sunan Ampel Surabaya, Kamal Yusuf, who assessed that Prabowo's use of Katandasmouleh had a negative connotation. This expression sounds harsh and shows a shift from official language to informal language.

"Even though it's informal, the choice of the word still seems rude," said Kamal.

From the perspective of the politeness strategy, ndasmus is a form of face-treating act, an action that can threaten the image of the interlocutor, in this case Prabowo critics.

"In a political context, this can strengthen Prabowo's impression as a leader who is firm but also authoritative," he added.

But there are consequences that must be borne if Prabowo continues to use your Katandas. The use of the word, said Kamal, threatens Prabowo's authority, both as individuals and as president.

The public wants more calming communication, especially when the government faces criticism.

As head of state, Prabowo should consider the long-term impact of the words used. To build a strong image, a leader must continue to respect the norms of public communication.

"Normalization of rough language at the elite level can lead to degradation of the quality of political communication in Indonesia," said Kamal.

Meanwhile, LSPR political communication expert Lely Arrianie reminded that if public criticism continues to be responded with inappropriate expressions, Prabowo's electability can be degraded slowly.

In fact, according to him, it is not impossible that the candidacy for the second period in 2019 could run aground if he continues to use inappropriate words. That is why, Lely suggested Prabowo change his political communication style.

"I see Prabowo will only realize that his attitude is unethical or lack of knights when responded by the public with a decrease in his approval rating," concluded Lely.