This is the 13th most frequent Indonesian word.
karena
"Because" or "due to."
The word 'karena' is used here as a conjunction meaning 'because'. It introduces the reason why the subject is learning Indonesian.
Saya belajar bahasa Indonesia karena ingin berbicara dengan penduduk lokal.
I am learning Indonesian because I want to speak with the locals.
In this sentence, the word 'karena' again acts as a conjunction to provide the reason for the subject's surprise.
Saya terkejut karena dia datang lebih awal dari biasanya.
I was surprised because he arrived earlier than usual.
Here, 'karena' explains the cause of the subject being late, connecting the outcome and its reason.