Ex-Partner or 'Mantan'? Who Coined the Term?

Indonesians previously used the term ‘bekas’ for individuals who once held certain positions. Before ‘mantan pacar’ (ex-partner) became common, people used ‘bekas pacar’. So, who coined ‘mantan’?

Prior to the 1980s, Indonesians referred to someone’s status using ‘bekas’—such as bekas istri (ex-wife), bekas presiden (ex-president), bekas jenderal (ex-general), bekas menteri (ex-minister), or even bekas mantan.

But the connotation of ‘bekas’ began to associate more with objects or items, leading to perceptions of it being inappropriate or demeaning.

According to Kemendikdasmen, in 1984, a replacement term emerged. Cultural figure Ahmad Bastari Suan from Sriwijaya University proposed ‘mantan’ in the magazine Pembinaan Bahasa Indonesia.

Origin of the Term ‘Mantan’

‘Mantan’ is a loanword from Basemah, Komering, and Rejang languages, meaning ‘no longer functional’.

In Basemah, terms like penggawe mantan (‘ex-employee; a former employee no longer functional’), ketip mantan (‘ex-khatib; a khatib no longer functional’), and penghulu mantan (‘ex-penghulu; a penghulu no longer functional’) exist.

In Javanese, the word ‘manten’ relates to ‘mari’ and ‘mantun’, derived from Old Javanese meaning ‘to stop’. For example, in Old Javanese, ‘mariyapanas’ means ‘he stopped being angry’ or ‘stop being angry’, and ‘manten angucap’ means ‘stop speaking’.

In Indonesian, the term ‘bekas’ in a phrase can function as the main noun (e.g., bekas menteri) or as an attribute (e.g., mobil bekas).

Since ‘mantan’ replaced ‘bekas’ as the main noun in phrases, it follows the DM rule by appearing at the start of the phrase: mantan menteri, mantan presiden, mantan guru SD, etc.

The use of ‘mantan’ aims to remove negative connotations and show respect. Thus, it is applied to respected individuals who previously held positions or professions.

Since then, ‘mantan’ has remained in use. ‘Bekas’ is still used but only for subjects with negative or derogatory connotations, such as notorious ex-criminals, ex-dictators, ex-racehorses, former presidential cars, second-hand clothing, and used goods.

‘Mantan’ is now widely popular, a testament to Ahmad Bastari Suan’s contribution.