The Indonesian village of Kabuh has become haunted by ghosts recently, as white-clad creatures jump completely to surprise passers-by, and then disappear under the full moon.
But this is not supernatural, the village has deployed these ghosts to patrol the streets, in the hope that the ancient myths will keep the residents in their homes safe from the emerging Corona virus.
"We wanted to be different and make a deterrent effect because Bokong is frightening and terrifying," said Anjar Panganengtias, leader of the village youth team, who coordinated with the police this unconventional initiative to promote social divergence in light of the epidemic.
The ghost of the shroud known as "Bokong" is usually completely white, and its face is pale thanks to white powders at a time when the darkening of the kohl surrounds its eyes. In Indonesian folk culture, this ghost represents the souls of the dead dead.
But when those ghosts started appearing this month, they had the opposite effect. Instead of keeping people in their homes, I took out some of the curious people to see this rare appearance.
Organizers have since changed their style, and "Bokong" patrols have become surprising. Village volunteers play the role of ghosts.
"The residents are still not aware of how to curb the spread of Covid-19 ... They want to practice their life affairs as usual and therefore it is very difficult for them to obey orders to stay at home," Priyadi, the village leader said.
When Reuters visited the village of Kabouh recently, the "supernatural" strategy seemed to be working, as the villagers ran in panic when seeing ghosts.
"Since the beginning of Bokong, parents and children have not left their homes ... and people do not gather or stay on the streets after the evening prayer," said Carno Subadmo, a resident.