Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Ketika api unggun padam, selimut tipis dan bantal empuk membuat kami tetap nyaman. - When the campfire goes out, a thin blanket and a soft pillow keep us comfortable.

Ketika is a subordinating conjunction meaning “when”, used to introduce a temporal (time) clause. You’ll often see it interchangeable with saat, though ketika has a slightly more formal or written tone.

Why is the phrase api unggun used instead of just api?

Api by itself means “fire”, while api unggun is a compound noun meaning “campfire” or “bonfire.” Adding ungg̲un specifies the type of fire—namely one you build outdoors for warmth or cooking.

What does padam mean in this context?

Padam is an intransitive verb meaning “to go out,” “to be extinguished,” or “to die down,” usually referring to lights or flames. Here, api unggun padam means “the campfire went out.”

Why is the adjective tipis placed after selimut instead of before it?

In Indonesian grammar, adjectives generally follow the noun they modify (Noun + Adjective). Thus selimut tipis literally reads “blanket thin,” which we translate as “thin blanket.”

What is the function of dan in selimut tipis dan bantal empuk?

Dan is the coordinating conjunction “and,” used here to link two parallel noun phrases, selimut tipis and bantal empuk, into one subject.

What role does membuat play in membuat kami tetap nyaman?

Membuat is a transitive verb meaning “to make” or “to cause.” It takes kami (us) as its direct object and is followed by a complement tetap nyaman (“remain comfortable”). So membuat kami tetap nyaman = “makes us stay comfortable.”

What does tetap mean here, and why is it placed before nyaman?

Tetap is an adverb meaning “still,” “remain,” or “keep.” When placed before nyaman (comfortable), tetap nyaman conveys “stay comfortable” or “remain comfortable.”

Why is there a comma after padam, and can it be omitted?

The comma separates the subordinate time clause (Ketika api unggun padam) from the main clause. In everyday writing it’s optional—Ketika api unggun padam selimut tipis dan bantal empuk membuat kami tetap nyaman is still correct, though the comma improves readability.

Could we add sudah as in Ketika api unggun sudah padam? What changes?

Yes. Sudah means “already,” emphasizing completion: “When the campfire was already out.” Without sudah, padam alone already implies the fire has ceased, so sudah is optional for nuance.

Is it acceptable to move the time clause to the end of the sentence?

Absolutely. You can say:
Selimut tipis dan bantal empuk membuat kami tetap nyaman ketika api unggun padam.
The meaning stays the same; fronting the time clause just shifts emphasis.