Surat Bisnis by Melya Yosita (Komunikasi Bisnis)

Main Ideas / Lessons Conveyed

The video explains business letters (surat bisnis) as a form of written communication used internally and externally by individuals or organizations to convey business messages with a clear purpose.

It teaches:

• What letters are, including general vs. specific functions
• How letters are grouped based on criteria such as:
  • use
  • confidentiality level
  • urgency
  • recipients
  • content
• What business letters are like, including definitions and principles for effective writing
• Business letter formats, such as:
  • full block style
  • modified block styles (including specific subtypes)
• Key components of a complete business letter
• Stages for composing business letters
• Electronic business letters (email), including ethics and a typical email structure

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Principles to Design an Effective Business Letter

A) Writing Principles

To create an effective business letter, ensure:

• Accuracy and precision, including:
  • the structure of the content
  • the context/arrangement
  • layout/typing alignment
  • language rules and spelling
• Use appropriate language, such as:
  • Indonesian or other international languages
  • standard and correct formal language
  • politeness in sentences and paragraphs
  • unity within paragraphs (consistent flow)
• Maintain:
  • clarity of content
  • systematics (logical ordering/structure)
  • ease of understanding for the recipient
  • aesthetics, including suitable fonts (examples mentioned: Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial)

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Formats / Forms of Business Letters

Business letter formats are generally divided into:

1) Full Block Style

• The body parts (e.g., the “letter block”) align to the left margin.

2) Modified Block Style (with subtypes)

• Semi-straight / semi-block style
  • The first line/paragraph begins indented about 5 cm
  • The signature is on the right side
• Indented style
  • The address is indented about 5 cm
  • Each paragraph beginning is indented about 5 cm, while text remains left-aligned
• Hanging paragraph style
  • The second line of each paragraph is indented about 5 cm inward
• Official Indonesian form / official style
  • The address is typed on the right
  • Each paragraph content is indented about 5 cm inward

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Components of a Complete Business Letter (Complete Structure)

1. Letterhead (kop surat) Identity of the business organization (e.g., logo, name, address, phone, email).

2. Date of the letter Usually placed at the upper left or upper right (example formats provided in the video).

3. Letter number (nomor surat) Helps organize and track correspondence.

4. Attachment (lampiran) (if any) Indicates additional included files/documents.

5. Subject (perihal) Briefly states the topic/purpose.

6. Recipient address (alamat tujuan) Recipient name/position + location/address.

7. Opening greeting (salam pembuka) Example: “With respect” / “Assalamualaikum…”

8. Content section (isi surat) consisting of 3 parts:

   • Opening paragraph: introduces the purpose/topic (may reference letter number)
   • Main content: notification/request/confirmation/reminder (depends on purpose)
   • Closing in the content: a sentence aligned with the purpose (e.g., asking for a response)

9. Closing greeting (salam penutup) Example: “Yours sincerely” / “Wassalamu’alaikum…”

10. Sender identity (signature block) Sender name/role and space for signature.

11. Copy/CC to another party (tembusan) (if necessary) Indicates other parties who should know the content besides the main recipient.

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Stages for Composing a Business Letter

1. Determine the purpose of writing the letter.
2. Collect factual data and references related to the issue.
3. Arrange the content systematically according to the chosen format.
4. Convert the business message into clear sentences.
5. Review again before sending:
   • structure and context of the content

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Electronic Business Letters (Email): Ethics + Typical Structure

Ethics / Rules for Sending Business Emails

• Use an email address matching the name/agency of the business organization.
• Use the sender’s real name.
• Use polite and professional language (Indonesian or international).
• Avoid improper formatting:
  • don’t overuse capital letters
  • don’t use capitals incorrectly
• Avoid emotions and irrelevant emoticons/stickers.
• Use suitable formatting:
  • font size around 11/12
  • formal fonts such as Times New Roman / Serif (as mentioned)
• If documents are attached:
  • inform the recipient that attachments are included
• Avoid sending repeated emails that may contain spyware/malware/viruses.

Common Email Structure (as described)

1. To: recipient email address
2. CC: carbon copy (addresses visible)
3. BCC: blind carbon copy (addresses hidden)
4. Subject: topic/instruction of the email
5. Salutation: greeting before the main content
6. Body/Content: main message
7. Conclusion: closing statement confirming the email’s purpose/content
8. Closing: final closing sentence (e.g., thank you / “Yours faithfully” / “Wassalamu’alaikum…”)
9. Attachments: attention/files uploaded
10. Signature: sender details (name, position/agency, contact)

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Additional Concepts: Grouping Letters (Main Categories)

Letters can be grouped by multiple factors:

• By use/nature of sender
  • Personal letters: by individuals for relatives/colleagues (personal interests; usually informal/non-standard language allowed, e.g., love letters)
  • Official/formal letters: by organizations/agencies for official matters
  • Business letters: by business organizations for business activities (internal/external)
  • Social letters: by organizations or non-profit institutions
• By confidentiality level
  • Highly confidential
  • Confidential/restricted
  • Restricted
  • Ordinary/regular
• By degree of urgency
  • Express
  • Urgent
  • Regular
• By number of recipients
  • Regular letter
  • Circular letter
  • Announcement letter
• By content and intent
  • Examples: notification, request, offer, orders, summons, and SOP/standard procedures (plus others)
• By delivery method
  • Postal mail
  • Fax
  • Electronic mail (email over the internet)

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Speakers / Sources Featured

• Melia Yosita (host/speaker)

No other external sources or named institutions are presented as references beyond examples mentioned within the content (e.g., Gmail/Yahoo Mail).