Viral video footage from Indonesia shows a group of individuals kicking and hitting a "pocong," which is a ghost from Indonesian and Malaysian folklore believed to be the spirit of a dead person trapped in their burial shroud.
The video, which has gained popularity on social media, was taken in Demak, Central Java on April 2 at 2:30 am, according to Kompas.
The video shows a man approaching the "pocong" and kicking it until it falls to the ground. Others then gather around and proceed to kick and hit the figure. One of the individuals calls the "pocong" insolent.
Photo via Instagram (@andreli_48)
When someone suggests calling the police, someone else replies that they will take the "pocong" to the station immediately. The video ends with the "pocong" being dragged away.
The prankster who pretended to be the "pocong" has been reprimanded by the police.
The Demak Police Chief, AKBP Budi Adhy Buwono, confirmed the arrest and stated that the perpetrator's motive was to prank others. A friend of the prankster who was present during the incident was also apprehended.
As they were both minors, they were eventually handed back to their families for discipline. The two children were also asked to make a written statement promising not to cause anxiety to residents in the future.
Budi said, "We provided guidance and called on [their] parents, head of the neighborhood association, head of the citizen association, and the village head to assist with monitoring [the two children].
We have also ordered the perpetrators to make a statement so they don't repeat their actions."
The incident has caused concern among locals, as pranks like these could lead to more severe actions and harm.
