Pocong Ghost (1988)
A 1988 Indonesian horror film where a young orphan's deceased parents rise from the grave to protect her from a jealous, cruel family.
Pocong Ghost - Movie Information
Pocong Ghost - Plot
Orphan Sari goes to live with her uncle Mr. Padmo, his wife and their daughter Yuni. Trouble begins when the wife and daughter (who is jealous a boy she likes prefers her cousin) accuse her of stealing and threaten to kick her out. The innocent Sari's parents return as ghosts to help her out, including creating a "pocong" (death shroud) ghost to scare them.
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Pocong Ghost - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Bachroem Halilintar
Main Cast
- Susan Aryani
- Arthur Tobing
- Kiki Rizky Amelia
- Arni Kasidi
- Nunung Pranowo
- Subur Suryadi
- Johan Saimima
- Gino Makasutji
- Linda Anwar
- Alwi AS
Writers
- Sutrasno
Pocong Ghost - FAQs
What is Pocong Ghost about?
Pocong Ghost follows Sari, a young orphan who moves in with her uncle Mr. Padmo and his family. When his jealous wife and daughter falsely accuse her of theft, Sari's deceased parents return from beyond the grave — summoning a fearsome pocong spirit — to defend their innocent child.
What exactly is a pocong ghost?
A pocong is a ghost from Indonesian and Malay folklore, depicted as a corpse still wrapped in its white burial shroud. The spirit is said to appear when the shroud's knot is not untied after burial, trapping the soul. It has become one of the most iconic figures in Indonesian horror cinema.
Who directed Pocong Ghost?
Pocong Ghost was directed by Bachroem Halilintar, an Indonesian filmmaker active during the golden era of Indonesian horror cinema in the 1980s. The film reflects the period's distinctive blend of supernatural folklore, family drama, and ghost-story tradition that defined the genre in Indonesia at the time.
Who stars in Pocong Ghost?
The film features Kiki Rizky Amelia as the young protagonist Sari, with Susan Aryani and Arthur Tobing playing her parents. Arni Kasidi portrays the jealous cousin Yuni, while Nunung Pranowo and Subur Suryadi play the antagonistic aunt and uncle. Johan Saimima also appears as Bagus.
Is Pocong Ghost based on Indonesian folklore?
Yes, the film draws directly from Indonesian and Malay ghost mythology. The pocong — a shroud-wrapped spirit of the dead — is a deeply rooted figure in the region's folklore. The film weaves this supernatural tradition into a family drama, grounding its horror in culturally familiar beliefs about the afterlife and ancestral protection.
What genre is Pocong Ghost?
Pocong Ghost blends Horror, Drama, and Fantasy. Rather than pure fright, the film balances family conflict and emotional storytelling with supernatural elements. The ghost story serves as a vehicle for themes of justice, innocence, and parental love, making it a layered genre experience rooted in Indonesian cultural tradition.
When was Pocong Ghost released?
Pocong Ghost was released in Indonesia on January 1, 1988. It belongs to a vibrant wave of Indonesian supernatural horror films produced during the 1980s, a decade that saw the genre flourish with stories drawn heavily from local folklore, spiritual beliefs, and traditional ghost mythology.
What are similar films to Pocong Ghost?
If Pocong Ghost appeals to you, consider exploring Nocebo (2022), Before I Wake (2016), Look Away (2018), The Transfiguration (2016), or Starve Acre (2024). These films share a similar interest in supernatural horror rooted in family dynamics, folklore, and the blurring of grief with the uncanny.
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