Malay vs Indonesian
How to tell Malay from Indonesian
Malay and Indonesian are two standard forms of the same language. They share grammar and most vocabulary and are largely mutually intelligible, but spelling details, loanwords (Dutch in Indonesian, English in Malay) and some everyday words differ.
The short answer
Spot giveaway words: Indonesian kantor (office), uang (money) and polisi against Malay pejabat, wang and polis. Indonesian borrowed more from Dutch, Malay from English, so Malay spellings like teksi and bas look more English. Jakarta speech is full of informal slang.
The verdict
Dutch loans (kantor, handuk) suggest Indonesian; English-style spellings (teksi, bas) and words like pejabat suggest Malay.
Closeness score
27 / 30
Mutually intelligible?
largely
Shared vocabulary
Most core vocabulary is shared
Which first?
Pick the country you'll use it in; switching later is weeks, not years.
Kungfucius says: One language, two passports, and a few words that start arguments.
Side by side
budak = slave (ID)
Malay budak means child; in Indonesian it means slave. Indonesians say anak for child.
karcis / kantor
Kantor comes from Dutch kantoor; Malaysian pejabat is a native formation. For tickets, modern Indonesian mostly uses tiket too.
percuma = in vain, useless (ID)
Malay percuma means free of charge; Indonesian percuma means pointless. Indonesians say gratis for free.