Avoiding Common Indonesian Translation Mistakes
If you need to translate documents, contracts, or business materials into Indonesian for submission in Indonesia, you might feel overwhelmed. It can be confusing to figure out how much you need to handle yourself, whether a translator can handle it, or if notarization is required.
In this post, we've compiled a list of things you should check when preparing for an Indonesian translation. We've included the reasoning for each point, so feel free to use this as a checklist before you hire a translator.
What to Prepare Before Translating into Indonesian
The quality of the translation often hinges on the condition of the original document. If the original is blurry or cut off in parts, the translator will have no choice but to make assumptions.
- Full Original File: Make sure to include every page, including the front and back, as well as any sections with stamps or signatures. Sending only parts can easily lose the overall context.
- List of Proper Nouns: To prevent errors in spelling, keep a separate list of names of people, companies, and places based on their official documents like passports or registration.
- Standards for Numbers and Dates: Decide in advance whether to keep the original format for currency and dates or convert them to the local Indonesian format.
- Translation Purpose: The required tone and level of literal translation change depending on whether the document is for submission or for internal review.
Ensuring Accuracy in Indonesian Terminology
Legal, administrative, and academic documents use specialized vocabulary that differs greatly from everyday conversation. Even if two words refer to the same concept, the terms used can vary depending on the specific institution or field.
Therefore, simply translating the words from the original isn't enough; you must also verify that the terms are actually used in that specific field. It’s best practice to create a glossary before translating and then check the entire document to ensure the same term is used consistently throughout.
When Do You Need Notary or Certification for Indonesian Translations?
Just having a translated document isn't enough for it to be considered official. You need to check what the receiving party requires before you send anything in.
| What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Requirements of the Receiving Body | Different government offices or institutions have different rules regarding notarization and format for translations. |
| Original Issuing Body | The certification method can change depending on whether there's an agreement between the issuing country and the receiving country. |
| Translator Credentials | You need to know in advance if the translator can facilitate notarization or if their signature is required. |
Since certification procedures can change, the surest bet is to contact the relevant office directly for the most up-to-date guidelines before submitting anything.
AI Translation vs. Professional Human Translation for Indonesian
Translation tools are helpful for getting a general idea of casual messages. However, they aren't suitable for documents where a single word can drastically change the meaning, like contracts or official submissions.
- AI translation might mess up the subject and object, or use awkward honorifics.
- Any document with legal weight must be reviewed and finalized by a human.
- If you have a crucial document, you can use the AI output as a rough draft and then hire a professional translator to polish it.
Comparing Indonesian Translators to Spanish or French Translators
When you're looking for Indonesian translation services, you might also see people looking into Spanish or French translators. Since each language has different specialties and varying amounts of available material, it’s better to prioritize a translator's experience in the relevant field over just their language skills.
English translations tend to have a wealth of resources, giving you more options. Indonesian, on the other hand, might have fewer specialized resources, so carefully checking a translator's background and actual translation samples is even more important.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indonesian Translation
Is a translation app enough for Indonesian?
It can help you understand casual conversations or grasp the general meaning. However, if you need accuracy for official documents or contracts, it's safest to use a professional translator.
How do I find freelance Indonesian translators?
Translation gigs come in many different fields and difficulty levels. The most realistic approach is to start with simpler materials based on your Indonesian skills and translation experience, and then build up your expertise through proofreading and comparison work.
What happens if the source text has errors before translation?
The rule is that a translator should not change the original text arbitrarily. If you suspect errors, the usual practice is for the client to check and correct them before translation, or for the translator to note the issue in a footnote within the translation.
Take a moment to organize the documents you currently have. Check with the receiving party to see what certification is required, and creating a glossary beforehand will make the translation request much smoother.