argosys (asker) Jul 21, 2009:

decree, decision. I find that the words "keputusan" and "putusan" are used interchangeably, often in the same paragraph, and generally mean "decision." Writers/speakers do not seem to distinguish between the two. At the formal, official level, however, "keputusan" is commonly used (eg. KEPPRES) instead of the alternative. It carries the connotation of a decision [with emphasis on its] being carried out, with concomitant sanctions or penalties. It is translated in Indonesia as "decree" although in some other countries the word "decision" is sufficient. Elsewhere, decree seems to connote a decision issued by a monarch or dictator (Pres. Marcos used to issue decrees, but decrees are no longer issued under the democatic regime).
I believe that the writer of this article should have used "kepetusan" instead of "putusan." I agree also with "decision," particularly for readers outside Indonesia, and would have given that answer points credit, but am constrained by the rules.

Suzan Piper Jul 12, 2009:

kata KBBI pu·tus·an n hasil memutuskan: berdasarkan ~ pengadilan, dia dibebaskan;
~ akhir Huk putusan pd akhir pemeriksaan perkara dl sidang pengadilan yg berisi pertimbangan menurut kenyataan, pertimbangan hukum, dan putusan pokok perkara; ~ bebas Huk putusan berupa pembebasan terdakwa krn tidak terbukti bersalah melakukan suatu tindak pidana spt yg didakwakan oleh penuntut umum; ~ lepas Huk putusan berupa tidak dipidananya terdakwa krn perbuatan yg didakwakan tidak merupakan tindak pidana; ~ pengadilan Huk pernyataan hakim dl sidang pengadilan yg dapat berupa pemidanaan, putusan bebas, atau lepas dr segala tuntutan hukum; ~ sela Huk putusan sementara yg dijatuhkan oleh hakim sebelum ia menjatuhkan putusan akhir;
ke·pu·tus·an n 1 perihal yg berkaitan dng putusan; segala putusan yg telah ditetapkan (sesudah dipertimbangkan, dipikirkan, dsb): jaksa itu sulit menerima ~ hakim; 2 ketetapan; sikap terakhir (langkah yg harus dijalankan): ia tidak berani segera mengambil ~; 3 kesimpulan (tt pendapat): dr catatan itu diambil ~ bahwa dia memberi kesempatan kpd pegawainya untuk melakukan perbuatan pidana; 4 hasil pemeriksaan (tt ujian): ~ ujian akan diumumkan melalui surat kabar; (dstnya)

Hipyan Nopri Jul 11, 2009:

Putusan vs Keputusan Sebagai informasi tambahan, 'putusan' dibuat sehubungan dg suatu perkara hukum, sedangkan 'keputusan' dibuat sehubungan dg masalah administrasi.