VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

A lesson in Bahasa Indonesia or the Indonesian language on the radio, which introduces   some Indonesian vocabulary and guides you to use them in a conversation. The segment of Let's Speak Indonesia is a cooperation of RRI World Service Voice Of Indonesia, with the Language Development Agency, the Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture. Today’s topic is "Mohon Maaf" or in English, “Apologize”.

Next is a conversation about "Mohon Maaf" or in English ‘Apologize’. As usual I’ll say every sentence slowly, twice, and you can follow after me. Eid Al-Fitr has passed three days ago. Tony also commemorated the holiday at Joko’s house. He congratulated the Eid holiday to Joko and Dina, Joko’s wife.

Conversation (sudah direkam):

Tony       :   Selamat hari raya Idul Fitri

Joko       :   Terima kasih. Saya mohon maaf atas semua kesalahan saya

Tony       :   Sama-sama. Saya juga minta maaf , ya.

After the conversation, now I’ll introduce some vocabularies and idioms related to the topic today.

To ask congratulation for a commemoration like religious holiday or other important days you can use the word “selamat” in English congratulation or happy anniversary. For example “Selamat Hari Raya Idhul Fitri 2X in English “Happy Eid al-Fitr Holiday” , “Selamat Tahun Baru” 2X in English “Happy New Year” , “Selamat Ulang Tahun” 2X in English “Happy Birthday”.

During Eid al-fitr muslims apologize each other. They usually use expression “saya mohon maaf atas semua kesalahan saya” 2X in english “I apologize for all my mistakes”.

The expression can also be used in a daily activity. If you accidentally step someone’s foot, you can say, “Saya minta maaf” or “maaf ya” 2x in English "I am sorry". Expression “mohon maaf” is more polite than “maaf ya”. “Maaf ya” is usually used in a relaxed situation with friends. While “mohon maaf” is usually used in a formal situation.

Eid al-Fitr in Indonesia also called Lebaran. On this day Muslims visit family homes, relatives, and neighbors to get together and hospitality. They apologize for any intentionally or un-intentionally wrongdoing.