Why Indonesian Horror Needs More Than Just Ghosts and Screams

 

In recent years, Indonesian horror has gained more spotlight than ever, both at home and abroad. But with that visibility comes a big question: is the genre actually evolving or just becoming louder and more marketable? For every film that genuinely chills and challenges, there seems to be a wave of others that rely on the same recycled elements: dim lighting, sudden screams, shallow plot twists, and the occasional religious undertone thrown in for effect. The horror genre in Indonesia isn’t dying, but it is, in many ways, stalling.

Let’s be honest: horror has always been a safe bet in Indonesian cinema. It sells. It doesn’t need big stars, doesn’t require elaborate sets, and often doesn't even need a strong script. As long as there’s a ghost with long hair and a cursed object, the formula “works.” The problem is, audiences are changing, but the industry’s willingness to challenge them isn’t always keeping up. Many horror films today feel more like content than cinema. They exist to trend, not to linger. You leave the theater scared, maybe, but rarely moved. You forget the story as soon as the credits roll.

This is not to say there aren’t great horror films being made. There are. But the problem lies in the balance. For every title that dares to dig into psychological fear or cultural folklore in a meaningful way, there are five others that simply copy whatever made the last horror hit successful. The industry's dependence on quantity churning out sequels, prequels, and spinoffs—has led to a kind of creative fatigue. It’s no longer about crafting a good story but about how many jump scares you can pack into 90 minutes.

That said, horror still holds unique potential in Indonesia. We are a country full of myth, superstition, and spiritual texture. Horror should be our most powerful genre. It should be a mirror of our fears—not just of ghosts, but of trauma, history, society, and belief. And when done right, it is. Horror can say things that other genres can’t. It can explore buried guilt, collective memory, and the dark side of tradition without feeling preachy. But too often, that opportunity is wasted for a cheap thrill.

What’s encouraging is that a more discerning audience is slowly emerging. Viewers today are not just looking for scares, they’re looking for stories. This should push filmmakers to move beyond formula. It’s no longer enough to rely on a creepy score and a demonic possession subplot. The audience wants horror that feels real emotionally, culturally, and thematically.

So where does Indonesian horror go from here? It can go two ways. It can either keep chasing viral trends and fast box office numbers, or it can take the harder, more meaningful road: investing in originality, trusting in slower stories, and embracing the full depth of our haunted imagination. The demand is there. The audience is ready. All that's left is for the storytellers to trust us and themselves more.