Suanggi: A Horror Film Rooted in Eastern Indonesian Oral Traditions

The horror film ‘Suanggi: Ilmu Kutukan’ is set to hit Indonesian cinemas on 10 September 2026. Produced by Mutiara Films and Subtube Studio, the film is inspired by the oral cultural heritage of Eastern Indonesian communities, particularly the myth of Suanggi known in Papua, Maluku, NTT, NTB, Sulawesi, and other regions.

Director Dom Dharmo stated that the film was born from research into the Suanggi culture, which was then adapted into a fictional work while respecting local cultural values. ‘Indonesia has an extraordinary wealth of folklore that deserves a wider space in the creative industry. We delved deep into Suanggi and tried to blend how this Eastern Indonesian culture has universal values that can be enjoyed by everyone across the archipelago, because this film also talks about family, belief, fear, and human struggle,’ said Dom Dharmo.

Producer Bona Pascal believes the film offers a different perspective compared to Indonesian horror films that have predominantly featured stories from Java. ‘We wanted to find a different atmosphere for Indonesian cinema, not just the same old thing from Western Indonesia. We represent not only Papua but all of Eastern Indonesia. Suanggi is a very dangerous power if it falls into the wrong hands. Anything excessive or lacking is not good. Originally, Suanggi was not an evil knowledge; it was very helpful, used for healing, making a living, and doing good. When this knowledge falls into the wrong hands, because it has power, its function eventually changes or is misused,’ he said.

Lead actress Carissa Perusset admitted to learning a lot about a new culture during the production process. ‘My preparation was helped by a coach and cast members from Papua. I play Gia, an outsider who is Beni’s girlfriend. Actually, my character and I are not that different, both introverts, but I still learned a lot from this new character in the film,’ said Carissa.

Meanwhile, Iwa K, who plays Arobo, said the character development process was a fascinating experience. ‘The preparation was indeed a challenge, how to get the intonation and dialect of Eastern Indonesia right, and everything else. Fortunately, there was coach Bobi and other cast members, like Yewen, so we supported each other as fellow actors. That’s what made the process of making this film exciting. I have my own way of observing characters. In essence, it was enjoyable to explore and research new things. Suanggi is an extraordinary energy that we ultimately poured into this film,’ said Iwa K.