Do you believe in ghosts? In Indonesia, we usually answer this question with a saying, “percaya gak percaya”. These are the three words that should have two opposite meanings: "believe" and "not believe". However, when these words are arranged together, the term "percaya gak percaya" often appears to define phenomena that are considered impossible to accept by human reasoning, but are accepted as really happening.

 

Living in Southeast Asia, we are so used to being in such a haunted region. The first thing I remembered from my childhood was grown-ups telling me not to play too far outside after dark, or I’d be kidnapped by Kolong Wewe. Apparently, Kolong Wewe or Wewe Gombel is a female ghost with extraordinarily large/long breasts who likes to kidnap and hide small children whose parents did not pay enough attention. If anything, when I thought about it, this kidnapper-lady-ghost is supposed to be a punishment for the parents for not looking after their children properly. But almost every parent often used this story to scare their children so they don't wander out of the house alone at night. And it works, we were scared. 

 

Wewe Gombel Visualization | Source: Realitasonline.id

 

At this point you might think; “That sounds a bit crazy,” well I’ve got a pocket full of ghost stories growing up in Indonesia, and I’m not the only one. Many countries in Southeast Asia are no strangers to ghost superstitions, we have similar phenomena we’re very familiar with. For example, if you randomly start smelling jasmine, there is probably a ghost nearby. Or if someone is abnormally sick, it’s normal to go to a local shaman, because it’s common to get possessed or cursed with black magic (if you piss off the wrong person or have a business rival, people are literally throwing up needles and nails over here). Not to mention the most haunted month of the Hungry Ghost Festival commonly observed in Singapore and Malaysia, where the deceased are believed to visit the living.

 

Hungry Ghost Festival in Singapore | Source: Pride.kindness.sg

 

Moreover, while in some Western cultures broken mirrors and spilling salt are considered to bring bad luck, Indonesians literally have to say “excuse me” while urinating in secluded places like in bushes, on a tree, or near an empty building. Otherwise, the ghosts that lurk there might haunt you or give you a curse. “I did that when I was a kid, my mom told me to, but I only said it in my head. Now I try not to pee in unusual places anymore,” said my friend, Calvin. As a Buddhist, he believes that every place has its ‘mystical guard’, so he needs to excuse himself or ask permission to avoid making the spirits angry. My other friend, Yoseph, a Christian, actually cites a prayer in his head to ward off evil spirits before urinating in deserted places. He believes that he needs to protect himself since he’s doing something impolite. However, my Muslim friend, Djody, usually said “Excuse me” out loud before urinating in bushes while going on a hike. Not because of his belief, but because of influential myths and scary stories he heard from everywhere.

 

Similarly in the Philippines, people say “Tabi tabi po” when passing through dwellings of spirits, such as cemeteries or haunted grasslands, and are now applied to the newer spirits that live in buildings or bridges. The phrase itself roughly translates to “excuse me” or “may I pass?”, uttered to show respect to the spiritual beings and other mythical creatures who live in these areas such as Nuno sa punso or Duwende, which is a dwarf-like nature spirit that lives in the forest. Whether these creatures exist or not, the practice of saying “Tabi tabi po” often teaches people to respect nature.

 

So despite our different backgrounds and religions, we all believe in the spiritual, we believe fate controls our destiny: anger ghosts or spirits and they may curse a dose of bad luck upon us. And undoubtedly, we coexist with them. For instance, some houses here are just casually haunted. My friend, Teresa, once told me, “Yeah there’s a lady ghost in my house, she usually hangs out in the kitchen. She would make noises sometimes but she’s chill, we’re used to it.”

 

We truly are used to it. Ghosts and superstitions remain deeply ingrained in the fabric of our daily lives, shaping the way we navigate the world around us. But it’s not merely about fear; it often serves as a guide for respectful and courteous behavior. This cultural sensitivity underscores the importance of harmony and respect in interpersonal relationships. We find comfort in tradition, as family is important to us; we hold on to beliefs passed down from generation to generation.

 

For the younger generation raised in the shadow of these age-old beliefs, superstition is not merely a relic of the past but a living, breathing part of our cultural identity. Nowadays, we even find fun in scary stuff, it’s an exciting form of entertainment. We voluntarily go to haunted houses, try to beat horror-themed escape rooms, and watch a whole lot of scary movies that have risen in popularity these past few years.

 

Haunted House Attraction "RS Kadipolo" in Solo, Central Java | Source: Olosae.com

 

The shift from traditional to modern superstitions reflects broader changes in spiritual beliefs across Southeast Asia. While traditional beliefs in spirits and omens still hold sway, the younger generation is blending these with new, often playful forms of superstition. For example, the popularity of horror-themed entertainment and the use of technology to engage with the supernatural indicate a shift towards a more secular, yet still superstitious, outlook. This melding of old and new superstitions allows for a more dynamic cultural expression that resonates with both traditions and contemporary lifestyles.

 

Furthermore, the modern threads of superstition often serve as a bridge between generations, fostering a shared cultural experience that both respects traditional beliefs and embraces new perspectives. This evolution showcases the adaptability and resilience of cultural practices in the face of rapid societal changes. As superstition continues to evolve, it not only maintains its relevance but also enriches the cultural fabric of Southeast Asia, offering insights into the collective psyche and how people find meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world.