In many countries, the common word for women’s undergarment is “bra”, short for brassiere. However, in Indonesia, the term “BH” is still widely used in everyday conversations. While younger generations are familiar with the English word bra, the old abbreviation has remained a popular cultural term.
The Origin of “BH”

The abbreviation BH comes from the Dutch language, a legacy of Indonesia’s colonial history.

Buste = bust (chest or breast)

Houder = holder or support


Combined, Buste Houder literally means “bust holder”, which is exactly what a bra is.

Why “BH” Remains Popular

Even after Indonesia gained independence and English became more influential, the word BH stayed in common usage. There are several reasons:

Cultural habit: Generations of Indonesians grew up using the term.

Easier pronunciation: Saying B-H is simple and rolls off the tongue.

Widely understood: From big cities to rural areas, almost everyone in Indonesia knows what BH means.


Modern Usage

Today, younger Indonesians are exposed to global fashion and often see the word bra in online shopping platforms. Still, many will casually say BH when talking to friends or even when buying lingerie in local stores. It has become a part of Indonesian linguistic identity.

Conclusion

The term BH in Indonesia is more than just an abbreviation. It is a fascinating example of how colonial influence blends with local culture and survives through generations. While the rest of the world says bra, Indonesians proudly keep using BH—a small but unique piece of cultural heritage.