Indonesian Streets Haunted By ‘Ghost’ Sightings To Scare People Into Staying In
Image via ardiwebs / Shutterstock.com
A neighborhood located in Indonesia’s central Java province saw “ghostly” figures wrapped in white sheets strolling the streets in efforts to scare people into staying home during the coronavirus pandemic.
The figures were dressed up as “pocong” or “pochong,” known in local folklore as ghosts of the departed still wearing their burial shrouds. One of the ritual practices in the region sees the deceased typically wrapped up in white sheets, with strings tied above the head, around the neck, and below the feet.
According to Reuters, volunteers in Kepuh village in Sukoharjo held “surprise patrols” to deter people from leaving their homes.
The plan initially backfired when it went viral on social media, as people eagerly went out to see the “ghosts.”
However, the head of the youth volunteer group, Anjar Pancaningtyas, insisted that the unique approach—launched in collaboration with the local police—has aided in keeping people indoors.
Volunteers in Indonesia's Kepuh village dress up as "pocong", ghostly figures to scare people into staying indoors in night as a part of it's effort against coronavirus pandemic.#CoronaOutbreak #Indonesia#COVID19indonesia pic.twitter.com/S2MXtCJuAq
— Axomiya Nabaprajanma (@Nabaprajanma) April 13, 2020
[via CNN, cover image via ardiwebs / Shutterstock.com]
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