Adjectives can be predicates

In Indonesian grammar, sentences are often built using a simple Subject + Predicate structure. While English speakers are used to saying 'The coffee is hot,' Indonesian speakers say 'Kopi itu panas' (literally: Coffee that hot).

Key rules for adjective predicates:

• No Copula: The basic descriptive model needs no adalah. TBBI also allows adalah to separate an adjective predicate from a subject, especially when one or both are long: Pernyataan ketua organisasi itu adalah tidak benar.
• Negation: To say something is 'not' a certain way, use tidak before the adjective.
• Word Order: In this basic declarative pattern, the adjective predicate follows its subject. Indonesian also permits marked predicate-first orders. To distinguish a sentence from a simple phrase, demonstratives like ini (this) or itu (that/the) are often used to mark the end of the subject.
• Intensifiers: You can add words like sangat (very) before the adjective or sekali (very) after it to add emphasis.

Valid Contrasts: Bukan panas can correct a proposed description when the alternative is stated or understood. Mobil itu merah clearly separates subject and predicate; mobil merah can be a noun phrase or, with context, a predication. A demonstrative is helpful, not compulsory in every adjective sentence.