Indonesia, an immense tapestry of over 17,000 islands, hundreds of ethnic groups, and some of the world’s most diverse languages, has always relied on wisdom to sustain harmony across difference. Traditional proverbs, known variously as paribasan (Javanese), babasan (Sundanese), pepatah (Minang), and wejangan across the islands, serve as quiet bridges between people who may differ in customs, food, dialect, or belief. These sayings have been passed down orally through families, storytellers, elders, and local councils, shaping how communities cooperate, resolve conflict, and maintain social unity.
At the heart of archipelagic wisdom is the belief that diversity is not a barrier but a resource. Islanders understand intuitively that survival, whether at sea, in the rice field, or in the village, demands mutual respect and collective responsibility. Proverbs teach patience, humility, interdependence, and empathy, encouraging individuals to act with both personal integrity and communal sensitivity. Whether on the crowded streets of Java or the remote highlands of Sulawesi, these maxims remind people that harmony is carefully cultivated, not assumed.
The following 100 proverbs represent a broad chorus of voices from the archipelago, each a small lantern illuminating the shared values that bind Indonesia’s diverse peoples.
100 Proverbs on Unity in Diversity
- “Bersatu kita teguh, bercerai kita runtuh.”
Translation: United we stand; divided we fall.
Meaning: Strength comes from unity. - “Ringan sama dijinjing, berat sama dipikul.”
Translation: Light things are carried together; heavy things are shouldered together.
Meaning: Shared burdens become lighter. - “Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung.”
Translation: Wherever the earth is stepped on, there the sky is upheld.
Meaning: Respect local customs wherever you go. - “Satu kayu tidak membuat rumah.”
Translation: One piece of wood cannot build a house.
Meaning: No one succeeds alone. - “Air beriak tanda tak dalam.”
Translation: Rippling water is shallow.
Meaning: The loudest people often contribute the least. - “Tali tiga lembar lebih kuat dari satu.”
Translation: A rope of three strands is stronger than one.
Meaning: Solidarity increases security. - “Bagai aur dengan tebing.”
Translation: Like bamboo and the riverbank.
Meaning: Mutual support sustains both sides. - “Musyawarah mufakat.”
Translation: Deliberation leads to consensus.
Meaning: Dialogue creates agreement. - “Seribu teman masih kurang, satu musuh sudah kebanyakan.”
Translation: A thousand friends are not enough; one enemy is too many.
Meaning: Value harmony. - “Hati gajah sama dilapah, hati kuman sama dicecah.”
Translation: The elephant’s heart is divided equally; the germ’s heart is shared equally.
Meaning: Share even the smallest blessings fairly. - “Gotong-royong membawa berkat.”
Translation: Collective labor brings blessings.
Meaning: Cooperation benefits everyone. - “Berenang ke tepian tidak dengan satu tangan.”
Translation: You don’t swim to shore with one hand.
Meaning: Cooperation is essential. - “Ladang yang luas tak dikerjakan sendiri.”
Translation: A wide field cannot be plowed alone.
Meaning: Big tasks require teamwork. - “Satu perahu dua pendayung.”
Translation: One boat, two rowers.
Meaning: Different people can drive the same goal. - “Jauh di mata, dekat di hati.”
Translation: Far from sight but close to heart.
Meaning: Distance doesn’t break unity. - “Orang sekampung jadi saksi.”
Translation: The whole village becomes a witness.
Meaning: Community holds people accountable. - “Dimakan teman tak kenyang, dibagi musuh tak habis.”
Translation: Shared with a friend never enough; shared with an enemy never too little.
Meaning: Generosity softens hostility. - “Mufakat membawa berkat.”
Translation: Consensus brings blessing.
Meaning: Agreement strengthens communities. - “Laba-laba pun membuat rumahnya bersama.”
Translation: Even spiders build their home together.
Meaning: Cooperation is natural and necessary. - “Sekepal menjadi gunung, setetes menjadi laut.”
Translation: A handful becomes a mountain; a drop becomes an ocean.
Meaning: Small contributions create great unity.
- “Lain padang lain belalang.”
Translation: Different fields have different grasshoppers.
Meaning: Every region has its own customs. - “Lain ladang lain ilalang.”
Translation: Different lands have different weeds.
Meaning: Respect different norms. - “Mulutmu harimaumu.”
Translation: Your mouth is your tiger.
Meaning: Careless speech invites danger. - “Adat bersendi syarak, syarak bersendi Kitabullah.”
Translation: Custom stands on ethics; ethics on holy teachings.
Meaning: Tradition must align with morality. - “Tak lapuk oleh hujan, tak lekang oleh panas.”
Translation: Not worn by rain, not cracked by heat.
Meaning: True values endure change. - “Yang tua dihormati, yang muda disayangi.”
Translation: Respect the old, cherish the young.
Meaning: Social harmony rests on mutual care. - “Biar berbeda asal seia sekata.”
Translation: Differences are fine if thoughts align.
Meaning: Unity does not require sameness. - “Air sama air, tapi rasa lain.”
Translation: Water is water, but each has a different taste.
Meaning: People can be similar yet unique. - “Sopan santun membawa selamat.”
Translation: Courtesy brings safety.
Meaning: Respect prevents conflict. - “Adat diisi, lembaga dipakai.”
Translation: Customs must be lived, traditions practiced.
Meaning: Cultural respect sustains identity. - “Tamu adalah rahmat.”
Translation: Guests are blessings.
Meaning: Hospitality is sacred. - “Jangan memancing di air keruh.”
Translation: Don’t fish in murky water.
Meaning: Don’t exploit conflict. - “Gigi satu emas, gigi lain perak.”
Translation: One tooth gold, another silver.
Meaning: Everyone has unique worth. - “Lidah tak bertulang.”
Translation: The tongue has no bone.
Meaning: Words can easily harm. - “Cantik karena budi, tinggi karena ilmu.”
Translation: Beauty comes from character, stature from knowledge.
Meaning: Virtue and wisdom define greatness. - “Lain orang lain hati.”
Translation: Different people, different hearts.
Meaning: Everyone thinks differently. - “Kecil-kecil cabe rawit.”
Translation: Small but fiery.
Meaning: Don’t underestimate others. - “Adat dituruti, rusuh dijauhi.”
Translation: Follow tradition, avoid chaos.
Meaning: Respect builds stability. - “Bangsa yang besar menghargai perbedaan.”
Translation: A great people honor differences.
Meaning: Diversity strengthens a nation. - “Halus ditolak, keras diterima.”
Translation: A gentle correction is better than a harsh one.
Meaning: Soft guidance is most effective.
- “Air tenang menghanyutkan.”
Translation: Still waters can sweep you away.
Meaning: Quiet people may have deep influence. - “Panjang umur persaudaraan.”
Translation: Long live brotherhood.
Meaning: Brotherhood sustains unity. - “Lempar batu sembunyi tangan.”
Translation: Throw a stone then hide your hand.
Meaning: Avoid cowardly behavior. - “Duduk sama rendah, berdiri sama tinggi.”
Translation: Sitting equally low, standing equally tall.
Meaning: People are fundamentally equal. - “Malu bertanya sesat di jalan.”
Translation: Too shy to ask gets lost on the road.
Meaning: Communication prevents missteps. - “Habis gelap terbitlah terang.”
Translation: After darkness comes light.
Meaning: Reconciliation restores peace. - “Membasuh luka dengan air jernih.”
Translation: Wash wounds with clear water.
Meaning: Heal with sincerity. - “Batu karang dilawan air lembut.”
Translation: Soft water shapes hard rock.
Meaning: Gentle persistence repairs relationships. - “Senyum membuka pintu.”
Translation: A smile opens doors.
Meaning: Kindness eases interactions. - “Bicara baik merangkul, bicara buruk merusak.”
Translation: Good words embrace; bad words destroy.
Meaning: Speech unites or divides. - “Hidup rukun damai.”
Translation: Live in peaceful harmony.
Meaning: Harmony enriches life. - “Api kecil jadi kawan, besar jadi lawan.”
Translation: A small fire is a friend, a big fire is an enemy.
Meaning: Manage conflict early. - “Satu hati dua tangan.”
Translation: One heart, two hands.
Meaning: Unity inspires coordinated action. - “Tali persaudaraan tak mudah putus.”
Translation: The rope of kinship is not easily broken.
Meaning: Family and community ties endure. - “Burung sekandang tak selalu seirama.”
Translation: Birds in one cage don’t always sing alike.
Meaning: Differences are natural. - “Angin sepoi membawa damai.”
Translation: Gentle winds bring peace.
Meaning: Calmness nurtures unity. - “Jangan mengaduk air tenang.”
Translation: Don’t stir calm water.
Meaning: Don’t provoke unnecessary conflict. - “Mengalah bukan kalah.”
Translation: Yielding is not losing.
Meaning: Humility preserves unity. - “Akar seribu menahan badai.”
Translation: A thousand roots hold back the storm.
Meaning: Community strength resists hardship. - “Rumput tetangga tak selalu hijau.”
Translation: The neighbor’s grass isn’t always greener.
Meaning: Avoid jealousy.
- “Gunung sama gunung tak bertemu, manusia bertemu juga.”
Translation: Mountains don’t meet, but humans do.
Meaning: People can reconcile even after long separations. - “Ke hulu berenang, ke hilir berdayung.”
Translation: Upstream swim, downstream row.
Meaning: Adapt to circumstances wisely. - “Banyak jalan menuju pulau.”
Translation: Many paths lead to the same island.
Meaning: Many approaches can achieve the same goal. - “Satu meja banyak rasa.”
Translation: One table, many flavors.
Meaning: Diversity enriches community life. - “Seperti laut menerima sungai.”
Translation: Like the sea receiving rivers.
Meaning: Embrace all differences with openness. - “Selendang berbeda tapi badan satu.”
Translation: Different scarves, one body.
Meaning: Different identities, shared humanity. - “Pohon besar tak takut angin.”
Translation: A big tree fears no wind.
Meaning: Strong communities endure challenges. - “Berkilau bukan berarti emas.”
Translation: Shiny doesn’t mean gold.
Meaning: Appearances can mislead. - “Awan hitam tak selamanya menurunkan hujan.”
Translation: A dark cloud doesn’t always bring rain.
Meaning: Avoid assumptions. - “Jauh berbeda, dekat bersatu.”
Translation: Different from afar, united up close.
Meaning: Familiarity creates unity. - “Satu pulau seribu bahasa.”
Translation: One island, a thousand languages.
Meaning: Celebrate cultural diversity. - “Rezeki berbeda datang dari arah sama.”
Translation: Different blessings come from the same direction.
Meaning: Everyone prospers in their own way. - “Serumpun bagai padi.”
Translation: A cluster like rice.
Meaning: Unity provides nourishment. - “Bagaikan pantai dan ombak.”
Translation: Like the shore and waves.
Meaning: Differences can complement each other. - “Hidup bagai perahu: seimbang atau tenggelam.”
Translation: Life is a boat: balance or sink.
Meaning: Balance maintains harmony. - “Rumah besar banyak pintu.”
Translation: A big house has many doors.
Meaning: Inclusivity strengthens community. - “Laut luas tak menolak perahu kecil.”
Translation: The vast sea does not reject small boats.
Meaning: There is room for everyone. - “Pelangi tak indah tanpa warna berbeda.”
Translation: A rainbow is beautiful because its colors differ.
Meaning: Diversity creates beauty. - “Dagang berbeda tapi pasar satu.”
Translation: Different merchants, one marketplace.
Meaning: People of different backgrounds share common space. - “Batu berbeda menyusun candi.”
Translation: Different stones build a temple.
Meaning: Greatness is built from diversity.
- “Bersabar bagai nelayan menunggu ombak.”
Translation: Patient like a fisherman waiting for waves.
Meaning: Good things require patience. - “Menganyam tikar butuh waktu.”
Translation: Weaving a mat takes time.
Meaning: Unity requires steady effort. - “Hati besar menghapus luka.”
Translation: A big heart wipes away wounds.
Meaning: Forgiveness heals communities. - “Makin tinggi padi, makin merunduk.”
Translation: The taller the rice, the lower it bows.
Meaning: True greatness brings humility. - “Batu kecil bisa melubangi perahu.”
Translation: A small stone can sink a boat.
Meaning: Small conflicts can destroy unity. - “Rajin pangkal pandai.”
Translation: Diligence leads to wisdom.
Meaning: Hard work builds knowledge. - “Tengadah melihat langit, menunduk melihat bumi.”
Translation: Look up to the sky, look down to the earth.
Meaning: Balance ambition with humility. - “Diam-diam menghanyutkan.”
Translation: Quietness carries great force.
Meaning: Calmness often hides strength. - “Bangun pagi mencari rezeki bersama.”
Translation: Wake early to seek blessings together.
Meaning: Collective effort brings prosperity. - “Kecil langkah, besar tujuan.”
Translation: Small steps lead to great goals.
Meaning: Progress is gradual. - “Hidup damai menyehatkan jiwa.”
Translation: Peaceful living heals the soul.
Meaning: Harmony improves wellbeing. - “Buah jatuh tak jauh dari pohonnya.”
Translation: The fruit falls not far from the tree.
Meaning: Values are passed down. - “Jangan mengail di kolam kering.”
Translation: Don’t fish in a dry pond.
Meaning: Choose actions wisely. - “Tanah subur menumbuhkan banyak benih.”
Translation: Fertile soil grows many seeds.
Meaning: A united community fosters success. - “Matahari tak pilih-pilih sinar.”
Translation: The sun does not choose where to shine.
Meaning: Treat everyone equally. - “Jalan lurus mempersatukan.”
Translation: A straight path unites.
Meaning: Honesty builds unity. - “Jika hati damai, dunia damai.”
Translation: If the heart is peaceful, the world is peaceful.
Meaning: Peace begins within. - “Rebung bersatu jadi bambu.”
Translation: United shoots become strong bamboo.
Meaning: Unity strengthens individuals. - “Burung terbang bersama arah yang sama.”
Translation: Birds fly together in the same direction.
Meaning: Shared vision brings harmony. - “Damai itu indah, rukun itu kuat.”
Translation: Peace is beautiful; harmony is strong.
Meaning: Unity and peace are sources of strength.
Author’s Note
The archipelago’s wisdom is an ongoing lesson in coexistence. These proverbs remind us that unity is not the erasure of difference but the patient weaving together of many voices, histories, and identities. In a world where diversity often leads to division, Indonesia shows that harmony is a deliberate craft, built through respect, humility, and shared purpose.
Knowledge Check
- Q: What central value do Indonesian proverbs emphasize regarding diversity?
A: That differences strengthen communities when guided by respect and cooperation. - Q: What is the meaning of “Di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung”?
A: Respect the customs of whatever place you are in. - Q: Why are communal activities such as gotong-royong essential in Indonesian wisdom?
A: They reflect the belief that collective effort creates stronger, more harmonious communities. - Q: What do proverbs like “Pelangi tak indah tanpa warna berbeda” teach?
A: Diversity is necessary for beauty and harmony. - Q: How do many island cultures promote conflict resolution?
A: Through consensus (musyawarah) and gentle reconciliation. - Q: What is the recurring symbolism of nature (mountains, seas, rivers) in these proverbs?
A: Nature illustrates interconnectedness and the balance required for unity.
