Organisers and Participants Apologise Following Viral 'Satanic Parade' in Pekalongan
The organising committee of the Simbang Kulrol Night Carnaval (SKNC) 2026 has admitted that a parade performance contained elements allegedly identical to satanic rituals. The performance took place on Thursday (10/9) in Simbang Kulon Village, Buaran District, Pekalongan Regency, Central Java.
Following the viral spread of the footage, the committee has apologised for the incident. “On behalf of the committee, we offer our deepest apologies for our oversight or shortcomings,” said Ziyad Azizi, a representative of the SKNC committee, on Monday (14/9).
However, he claimed the committee did not know the specific details of the performance’s intent. Ziyad explained that the performance, which appeared to depict satanic traditions, was part of the 61st mass circumcision event organised by the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Simbang Kulon Board in Pekalongan Regency.
Meanwhile, ‘Tim Simone’ (Simbang Gang One), the participant group responsible for the controversial performance, also issued an apology. M. Akhid, a representative for the group, admitted they lacked the necessary context or references for the performance and had no intention of displaying rituals related to any specific cult. “We, the representatives of Tim Simone, apologise. We regret our lack of literacy. We sincerely apologise for our performance on stage,” said Akhid.
Akhid explained that the concept was inspired by YouTube and that they had rented the costumes from Malang. He maintained that they did not understand the satanic connotations and simply chose the costumes because they appeared unique.
Regent Responds
The Acting Regent of Pekalongan, Sukirman, who witnessed the event personally, stated that he had not been informed of the performance’s concept. “We were only present as regional leaders. We were not given any information regarding the concept or details,” Sukirman said on Monday (14/9).
He explained that the lack of information was due to the organisers intending the performance to be a surprise, even for local religious leaders and elders. While he confirmed seeing a goat being slaughtered during the show, he clarified that the slaughter was intended for a communal satay meal after the event, rather than as a ritual sacrifice.
However, Sukirman acknowledged that the scene caused widespread misinterpretation and expressed concern regarding the psychological impact on children who witnessed the horror elements. He suggested that if the performance had included symbolic explanations—such as representing the struggle against evil or worldly desires—the controversy might have been avoided.
Sukirman noted that the event, which included the Prophet’s Birthday (Maulid Nabi) celebrations and mass circumcision, was fundamentally positive. Nevertheless, he stated that the government would coordinate with organisers to ensure that community creativity does not conflict with religious norms or the values of Pancasila.
Previously, videos circulated on social media showing individuals in white robes with skull faces and black costumes with frightening features. The footage gained notoriety due to a scene involving a goat being slaughtered on an altar surrounded by candles, featuring an inverted pentagram, a goat’ head, and symbols resembling Hebrew script, which many identified as the Sigil of Baphomet.