1940s. From Malay merdeka (also in form merdeheka), Indonesian merdeka independent from Sanskrit mahardhika of great prosperity from mahā- great + ṛddhi prosperity + -ka, suffix forming adjectives.
Definition of merdeka in US English:
merdeka
nounməːˈdeɪkə
In Malaysia and Indonesia: freedom, independence.
Origin
1940s. From Malay merdeka (also in form merdeheka), Indonesian merdeka independent from Sanskrit mahardhika of great prosperity from mahā- great + ṛddhi prosperity + -ka, suffix forming adjectives.