Indonesian ghost myths and folklore

Superstition is a worldwide phenomenon, as most countries have stories about the supernatural. Whether they are based on facts or fantasy, these stories are part of our cultures and shape a big part of our society. However, some countries take these stories further than others. we talked about Japanese ghosts.

The ghosts of Japan are quite well-known, thanks to Hollywood. They have had a big impact on the worldwide movie and entertainment industry, and have influenced our ideas of horror. But did you know that there are some countries that have even more ghost folklore with even scarier and more horrifying backgrounds? One of these countries is Indonesia, one of the most religious countries in the world. Around 98% of the population is religious, and most of them believe in ghosts.

In this article, you will learn a bit more about them. Welcome to "The Glimpse," where we explore the stories of ghosts, spirits, and the supernatural.

Exploring Indonesian Ghosts and Supernatural Beliefs

1. Ghosts and Spirits in Jakarta

Ghosts and spirits are common topics in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. In this place, people don't just claim to see ghosts, but they also claim to capture them on film or audio recordings. Besides the fact that the horror genre is the crown jewel in the Indonesian film industry, there are also a lot of reality TV shows about this topic. The results can be quite scary, and whether you believe in ghosts or not, these stories will probably give you goosebumps and make you think about the spirit world from a different perspective.

2. Superstitions and Customs in Indonesia

"I don't believe in ghosts until I see one" is one of the main reasons people don't believe in ghosts. But remember, one small sighting or hearing of one of these entities can completely change your perspective and send chills down your spine.

Despite the technological era we live in, where we have self-driving cars, drones delivering packages, and robots doing human tasks, some customs in Indonesia are deeply rooted in superstitious beliefs. For example, one of these customs is to not wear green when visiting Yogyakarta beach. It is actually prohibited to do so because the queen of the Southern Sea, also known as Ratu Kidul, resides at the beach, and her favorite color is green.

If you wear green, it is believed that you will be washed away by the sea and taken to her supernatural kingdom. Another good reason to avoid wearing green is that the water in the southern coast tends to be green, and if you drown, you will be more difficult to find.

3. Indigo Kids and the Other World

Indigo kids are a phenomenon in Indonesia. Many people believe in individuals who are spiritually gifted, known as Indigo kids. They say there is another world apart from the one we live in, and there must be people who are experts in that world. This ability is seen as a gift from God. Indigo kids are usually very wise and possess unique skills such as exorcism and healing.

Their mission is to raise awareness about the other world, as most people are stuck in the logic of this world. On social media platforms, Indigo kids are at the center of attention when it comes to supernatural content. They visit mystical places, read people, predict the future, or communicate with ghosts. These ghosts are some of the weirdest mythical creatures you will encounter.

3.1 The Kuntilanak

One such ghost is the Kuntilanak. Some of them bear a slight resemblance to certain Japanese ghosts, like the Kuchisake-onna. The Kuntilanak is the ghost of a mother who died before giving birth. Just like the Kuchisake-onna, she has long black hair and a white dress. However, the Kuntilanak doesn't have eyes, only two dark black holes: one in her face and one in her neck.

3.2 The Pocong

Another terrifying ghost in Indonesian folklore is the Pocong. The Pocong is the spirit of a deceased person wrapped tightly in a burial shroud or white fabric. The cloth is tied around the body to keep it intact during the burial process. However, if the tie is not undone properly, the spirit of the deceased remains trapped in the shroud, resulting in the manifestation of the Pocong. The Pocong is said to hop or float around, with its arms and legs bound by the burial cloth, seeking release from its earthly ties.

3.3 The Leak

The Leak is a particularly disturbing ghost from Balinese mythology. It is believed to be a witch or evil spirit that takes the form of a human during the day but transforms into a terrifying creature at night. The Leak is depicted as a hideous, disheveled being with sharp fangs and long, tangled hair. It possesses supernatural powers and is known for its ability to fly and prey upon unsuspecting victims, often sucking their blood or consuming their entrails.

4. Belief in Jinns or Djinn

In addition to these specific ghostly figures, there are also general beliefs in supernatural beings known as Jinns or Djinn in Indonesia. Jinns are believed to be powerful spirits capable of both good and evil actions. They are often associated with haunted places, abandoned buildings, or ancient ruins. People believe that performing certain rituals or reciting specific verses from the Quran can protect them from the influence of Jinns.

Conclusion

Indonesia is a country rich in diverse cultures and traditions, and the belief in ghosts and spirits is deeply ingrained in its society. These supernatural entities play a significant role in shaping the beliefs, customs, and even the daily lives of many Indonesians. Whether these ghostly encounters are true or mere folklore, they continue to fascinate and terrify people, keeping the spirit world alive in their imaginations.

As we conclude our exploration of Indonesian ghosts, we hope this glimpse into their supernatural world has left you both intrigued and spooked. Remember, whether you believe in ghosts or not, these stories have captivated the hearts and minds of people for generations, reminding us that the realm of the unknown still holds its mysteries, waiting to be uncovered.

Keywords: Indonesian ghost stories, Types of Indonesian ghosts, Scariest Indonesian ghosts, Indonesian ghost legends, Haunted places in Indonesia, Indonesian ghost movies, Indonesian ghost tours, Indonesian ghost beliefs, Indonesian ghost encounters, Indonesian ghost myths and folklore

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