The Ghost of Jeruk Purut

    By Dede Rahman Aliyafie

    The Ghost of Jeruk Purut cover image

    09 Sep, 2024

    two men walking down a dirt road in front of a house in the woods with a dark sky in the background, Andrew Law, art photography, a detailed matte painting, cinematic photography

    Mark, an aspiring anthropologist, arrived at a small Indonesian village. He was eager to learn about their folklore, especially the legend of 'Hantu Jeruk Purut'.

    a man walking down a dirt road in front of a forest filled with trees and houses on a foggy day, Andrew Law, sumatraism, a detailed matte painting, cinematic photography

    The villagers were hesitant to share their experiences. They believed talking about the ghost could invite its wrath. Mark was undeterred and continued his quest.

    an old man sitting in front of a window in a room with wooden walls and a wooden floor and a wooden window, Andrew Law, art photography, a character portrait, portrait photography

    Mark finally met an elder willing to share the tale. The elder believed that knowledge could protect Mark from the ghost.

    a man sitting on a wooden bench in a hut with a black background and a wooden floor and walls, Andrew Law, sumatraism, a character portrait, portrait photography

    'Hantu Jeruk Purut is the spirit of a headless man carrying a decapitated head. He haunts the Jeruk Purut cemetery, angry and seeking justice,' the elder explained.

    a man holding a lantern in a cemetery at night with a full moon in the background and trees in the foreground, Adrian Zingg, art photography, a character portrait, promotional image

    Driven by curiosity, Mark decided to visit the cemetery. He carried a torch, recording equipment, and a sense of dread.

    a man in a hooded suit standing in a cemetery at night with a full moon in the background and trees, Dirk Crabeth, gothic art, concept art, dark art

    As Mark walked deeper into the cemetery, he felt a cold chill. Suddenly, he saw a spectral figure - headless, carrying a decapitated head. It was Hantu Jeruk Purut.

    a man with a backpack and a knife standing in a cemetery at night with a full moon in the background, Dirk Crabeth, sots art, poster art, key art

    Mark froze, his heart pounding. He tried to recall the elder's advice - 'Show respect, don't show fear.' He bowed, expressing his intention to learn, not harm.

    a man in a hooded jacket walking through a cemetery with a ghost mask on his face and a cemetery in the background, Dirk Crabeth, gothic art, concept art, dark art

    The ghost paused, its glowing eyes fixed on Mark. After a tense moment, it vanished, leaving Mark alone in the chilling silence.

    a man standing in front of a group of people in a village with a sky background and a line of buildings, Fang Congyi, primitivism, a poster, promotional image

    Mark returned to the village, shaken but unharmed. He shared his encounter with the villagers, who listened in awe and disbelief.

    a man standing in front of a group of people in a village with trees and buildings in the background, Andrew Law, sumatraism, a poster, cinematic photography

    The elder nodded, 'You have been respectful, and thus you were spared. Remember, Hantu Jeruk Purut is not a legend, but a lesson in respect.'

    a man sitting at a desk with a book in front of him and a lamp above him in a room full of books, Du Jin, serial art, a character portrait, promotional image

    Mark returned home, his quest completed. He shared his experience with the world, emphasizing the importance of respect when exploring other cultures and their beliefs.

    a man standing in a room with a candle in his hand and a clock hanging from the ceiling behind him, Fan Kuan, serial art, a character portrait, highly detailed digital painting

    Mark's story intrigued many, sparking interest in Indonesian folklore. Despite the terror, his encounter with Hantu Jeruk Purut had left a profound impact on him.

    The Ghost of Jeruk Purut

    AI Horror Stories