selain itu

In Addition with Selain Itu

Level 4

Selain itu is a transition phrase used at the start of a sentence to add another point. It is the Indonesian equivalent of in addition, furthermore, or besides that.

How It Works

Selain itu is a high-frequency connector used to transition between distinct thoughts or sentences. While dan (and) joins words, phrases, or clauses within a sentence, selain itu signals that you are moving to a new, separate point.

Key Usage Rules:

  • Position: It almost always appears at the beginning of a new sentence.
  • Punctuation: In standard Indonesian, always place a comma after it (e.g., Selain itu, ...).
  • Register: It is neutral to formal. It is useful in academic writing, professional emails, and structured explanations, and also occurs in conversation.
  • Synonyms: In formal writing, you can use di samping itu as a similar additive connector when it fits the context.
  • Reference: The word itu refers back to a recoverable preceding item or idea, meaning 'Besides [the thing I just mentioned].'

Nuance Note: While lagi pula is also used to add information, it often carries a sense of justification or 'anyway' (e.g., 'I don't want to go; besides, it's raining'). Selain itu adds information that can also support a justification or recommendation; it does not guarantee objectivity. In casual conversation, speakers might use terus, but selain itu remains the standard choice for clear, organized communication.

Examples (4)

  1. Dia sangat pintar dalam matematika. Selain itu, dia juga jago bermain musik.

    He/she is very good at mathematics. In addition, he/she is good at playing music.

    Word by Word: He/she very clever in mathematics. Besides that, he/she also skilled play music.

    Here, 'selain itu' adds a second talent to the description of the person.

  2. Program ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan literasi. Selain itu, program ini juga memberikan akses internet gratis.

    This program aims to improve literacy. Furthermore, this program also provides free internet access.

    Word by Word: Program this aim for increase literacy. Besides that, program this also give access internet free.

    In a formal context, 'selain itu' is used to list multiple benefits of a program.

  3. Kita harus menjaga kebersihan lingkungan. Selain itu, kita perlu menanam lebih banyak pohon.

    We must maintain the cleanliness of the environment. Besides that, we need to plant more trees.

    Word by Word: We must guard cleanliness environment. Besides that, we need plant more many tree.

    This shows how 'selain itu' connects two different actions related to the same goal.

  4. Restoran itu makanannya enak. Selain itu, harganya sangat murah.

    The food at that restaurant is delicious. In addition, the prices are very low.

    Word by Word: Restaurant that food-its delicious. Besides that, price-its very cheap.

    A common way to provide multiple reasons for a recommendation.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the comma after the phrase.

    Selain itu saya ingin pergi.
    Selain itu, saya ingin pergi.

    In standard Indonesian writing, 'selain itu' is a sentence-level connector and must be separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.

  • Confusing 'selain itu' with 'selain'.

    Selain itu apel, saya suka jeruk.
    Selain apel, saya suka jeruk.

    To name apples as the additional item in this intended meaning, say Selain apel, saya suka jeruk. Itu would refer back to something already understood rather than introduce the word apel in this sequence. Selain itu, program ini ... is valid: the noun program starts the following clause. Selain itself can also precede verbal material, so a blanket noun-only rule is incorrect.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

selain ituLevel 4In Addition with Selain Itu

Learn This First

To understand 'selain itu', learners need to be familiar with the pronoun 'itu' (that) as a way to refer to previous information, and have a basic grasp of how to connect ideas in Indonesian.

Words in This Pattern

selain