Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Selama rapat, tolong jangan kirim draf yang belum selesai. - During the meeting, please don’t send a draft that isn’t finished.

Selama means “for the whole duration of,” so the prohibition applies throughout the meeting. Saat/ketika mean “at the time/when” and are more point-in-time; they can still work here but feel less “throughout.” Sementara/selagi mean “while (at the same time as),” focusing on simultaneity. You could also say sepanjang rapat (near-synonym of selama).

Is the comma after rapat necessary?

Yes, it’s standard to place a comma after a fronted time phrase: Selama rapat, … Without the comma you’ll still be understood, but the comma is recommended.

Why is jangan used instead of tidak?

Jangan is the negative imperative (“don’t …”). Tidak negates statements, not commands. For a softer suggestion you could say tidak usah kirim (“no need to send”).

What does tolong do here? Can I drop it?

Tolong softens the command into a polite request. You can drop it (Selama rapat, jangan kirim …) for a firmer tone. More formal alternatives: Mohon tidak mengirim … or Harap tidak mengirim …

Is combining tolong with jangan acceptable?

Yes, Tolong jangan … is common and polite. Some style purists prefer mohon/harap in formal notices, but tolong jangan is perfectly natural in everyday use.

Why is the base verb kirim used, not mengirim?

In imperatives, Indonesian often uses the base verb: (jangan) kirim. Jangan mengirim is also grammatical and a bit more formal/neutral. Both are fine here.

When would I use kirimkan instead of kirim?

Kirimkan often highlights a recipient/beneficiary: Kirimkan draf itu kepada saya. With an explicit recipient, both patterns are common: kirim draf ke saya / kirimkan draf kepada saya (the latter feels a bit more formal).

What is the role of yang in draf yang belum selesai?

Yang introduces a relative clause: “draft(s) that are not yet finished.” It turns belum selesai into a modifier of draf. Without yang, you’d have a clause, not a noun phrase.

Why belum selesai and not tidak selesai?

Belum means “not yet,” implying the draft is expected to be finished later. Tidak selesai is a blunt “not finished” with no expectation of eventual completion and sounds odd for works-in-progress in this context.

Is the subject omitted? Who is being told not to send drafts?

Yes, imperatives in Indonesian usually omit the subject. The addressee is understood from context (everyone in the meeting, or the person addressed). You can specify politely with titles: Bapak/Ibu, tolong jangan kirim …; Anda is rarely used in imperatives.

Does draf mean one draft or multiple drafts here?

It’s unspecified; Indonesian doesn’t mark plural by default. Context implies “any draft(s).” To be explicit: semua draf (all drafts) or draf apa pun yang belum selesai (any drafts that aren’t finished).

Can I move the time phrase to the end: Tolong jangan kirim draf yang belum selesai selama rapat?

Yes. Both orders are natural. Placing selama rapat first emphasizes the time frame; placing it last is neutral.

Is dalam rapat okay instead of selama rapat?

Dalam rapat literally means “in the meeting” (more spatial/contextual), while selama rapat is the standard way to express “during the meeting” (time span). For time, prefer selama or saat/pada saat rapat.

How would a passive or notice-style version look?

Common options:

Selama rapat, draf yang belum selesai jangan dikirim.
Mohon tidak mengirim draf yang belum selesai selama rapat. These sound like rules/signage.

Can I add dulu to mean “for now/for the time being”?

Yes: Selama rapat, tolong jangan kirim draf yang belum selesai dulu. This implies “hold off for now” and softens the prohibition.

Are there synonyms for draf that might fit?

Yes: rancangan or konsep. Draf (KBBI spelling) is common in professional contexts; you’ll also see the English-influenced draft informally.

How would I make it more formal vs more casual?

Formal: Mohon tidak mengirim draf yang belum selesai selama rapat.
Neutral: Selama rapat, tolong jangan kirim draf yang belum selesai.
Casual: Pas rapat, jangan kirim draf yang belum selesai ya.

Do I ever need to add an article like “the” to rapat or draf?

Indonesian has no articles. To specify “this/the,” use demonstratives: rapat ini/rapat tersebut, draf itu/draf tersebut (e.g., Selama rapat ini, …).