Bule (term) Bule (Indonesian: [ˈbule]) is an Indonesian word for people of non-Indonesian descent, especially people of European descent (' white ', ' Caucasian ').

What Does “Bule” Mean? The word “bule” in Indonesian commonly refers to foreigners, particularly those of Caucasian descent. It is pronounced as “boo-lay” and is used to describe people with light …

BULE definition: (in Indonesia) a person who is not Indonesian, especially a white person. See examples of bule used in a sentence.

Apr 27, 2026 · Adjective bule (comparative lebih bule, superlative paling bule) (colloquial or possibly dated) albino (having albinism)

Oct 6, 2025 · Little kids and even the elders are heard whispering the word “bule” to one another whenever a foreign traveller pops up. “Bule” is a common term used to describe foreigners.

The meaning and use of the word bule and various expatriate reactions to its use in popular Indonesian culture.

“Bule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bule. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

Feb 8, 2025 · The word bule, however, has a more curious origin. Linguistic research suggests that bule comes from bulai, a term for animals or people with albinism. In rural Indonesia, kerbau albino …

Bule (/bu·le/ or /bulé/) is an Indonesian slang term primarily denoting a white-skinned person, especially a foreigner of European or Western descent. According to the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia,

The word ‘bule’ follows you around Indonesia. There is no equivalent in English. In the simplest way, ‘bule’ means foreigner.