When it comes to writing official letters, it’s important to follow a specific format and style to ensure clarity and professionalism. In Indonesia, the Surat Official Style is the standard format for formal letters used in government offices, businesses, and academic institutions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Surat Official Style is, its functions and purposes, and how to write a letter using this format.

Pengertian (Definition) of Surat Official Style

Surat Official Style, also known as Surat Resmi, is a formal letter writing format that is widely used in Indonesia. The format is standardized and includes specific elements that must be included in the letter. The purpose of the format is to ensure that the letter is clear, concise, and professional, and that the message is conveyed effectively to the intended recipient.

Fungsi (Functions) and Tujuan (Purposes) of Surat Official Style

The Surat Official Style has several functions and purposes. First and foremost, it is used to convey official information or requests. This includes letters to government agencies, businesses, and academic institutions. The format ensures that the letter is clear and concise, making it easier for the recipient to understand the message and take appropriate action.

The format is also used to maintain professionalism and respect in official correspondence. By following a standardized format, the letter writer shows that they understand and respect the recipient’s position and authority. This can help to establish a positive relationship between the two parties, which can be beneficial in future interactions.

Format of Surat Official Style

The Surat Official Style format includes specific elements that must be included in the letter. These include:

  • Letterhead: This includes the name of the organization or institution, address, telephone number, and email address.
  • Date: The date the letter is written.
  • Recipient’s name and address: The name and address of the person or organization the letter is addressed to.
  • Salutation: A formal greeting, such as “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
  • Opening paragraph: This introduces the purpose of the letter and provides any necessary context.
  • Body paragraphs: These provide the details of the message, including any requests or information that needs to be conveyed.
  • Closing paragraph: This summarizes the main points of the letter and provides any necessary follow-up information.
  • Closing: A formal closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Respectfully.”
  • Signature: The name and signature of the letter writer.

Contoh (Examples) of Surat Official Style

Here are two examples of letters written in the Surat Official Style format:

Example 1: Letter to a Government Agency

[Organization Letterhead]

[Date]

[Recipient Name and Address]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request information regarding the status of my application for a business permit. My application was submitted on [date], and I have not yet received any updates on its status.

Could you please provide me with an update on the status of my application, and let me know if there is any additional information or documentation that is required?

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and Signature]

Example 2: Letter to a Business

[Organization Letterhead]

[Date]

[Recipient Name and Address]

Dear [Recipient Name],

I am writing to inquire about the availability of your company’s products for wholesale purchase. I am interested in ordering a large quantity of [product], and I would like to know if you offer wholesale pricing and if there are any minimum order requirements.

If possible, could you please provide me with a price list and any additional information about your products and services?

Thank you for your time and assistance with this matter.

Sincerely,

[Your Name and Signature]

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Surat Official Style format?

The purpose of the Surat Official Style format is to ensure that formal letters are clear, concise, and professional. The format includes specific elements that must be included in the letter, such as a letterhead, recipient’s name and address, salutation, and closing, to ensure that the letter is standardized and easy to understand.

When should Surat Official Style be used?

Surat Official Style should be used whenever you are writing a formal letter to a government agency, business, or academic institution. The format is commonly used in Indonesia and is considered the standard for formal correspondence.

Is it necessary to use Surat Official Style?

While it is not always necessary to use Surat Official Style, it is recommended when writing formal letters to ensure clarity and professionalism. Using a standardized format can help to establish a positive relationship between the letter writer and recipient, which can be beneficial in future interactions.

Can Surat Official Style be modified?

While the Surat Official Style format should generally be followed, there may be some flexibility in how the letter is written. For example, the opening and closing paragraphs may be modified to suit the specific situation or relationship between the parties. However, it is important to maintain the overall structure and elements of the format to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Can Surat Official Style be used for personal letters?

While Surat Official Style is primarily used for formal letters, it can also be used for personal letters when a formal tone is appropriate. For example, it may be used when writing a letter of recommendation or condolence.

Is there a specific font size and style to be used in Surat Official Style?

There is no specific font size and style required for Surat Official Style. However, it is recommended to use a clear and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and to use a font size of 11 or 12.

Can Surat Official Style be used in emails?

While Surat Official Style is primarily used for formal letters, it can also be used in emails when a formal tone is appropriate. However, it is important to keep in mind that email is a more informal mode of communication, so the format and tone may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Is Surat Official Style used outside of Indonesia?

The Surat Official Style format is specific to Indonesia and is not commonly used outside of the country. However, other countries may have their own standard formats for formal letters.

Conclusion

Surat Official Style is an important format to know when writing formal letters in Indonesia. By following the specific elements and structure of the format, you can ensure that your letter is clear, concise, and professional, which can help to establish a positive relationship between you and the recipient. Whether you’re writing to a government agency, business, or academic institution, Surat Official Style is the standard format for formal correspondence in Indonesia.