kuda

Kuda is the Indonesian and Malay word for horse. It is used across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Singapore’s Malay-speaking communities to refer to the domesticated animal and to form various phrases and terms connected to horses.

In everyday language, kuda appears in a range of expressions. Common examples include pacuan kuda, meaning horse racing; menunggang kuda, meaning to ride a horse; and kuda liar for a wild or feral horse. Other well-known terms are kuda belang, used for the zebra, and kuda kepang, a traditional Javanese dance that involves horse-themed performances using wooden or painted horses. The compound kuda laut is also used to denote a seahorse in Malay and Indonesian.

Cultural and historical context shows that horses have played roles in transport, agriculture, and ceremonial life in parts of Southeast Asia, though their everyday use varies by region. In modern times, horses are primarily involved in sport, recreation, breeding, and tourism, with equestrian activities growing in popularity in several countries. While horses are less central to daily life in many urban areas, they remain prominent in rural areas, cultural performances, and equestrian events.

See also: kuda kepang, kuda belang, pacuan kuda, kuda laut.