One common element is the use of sound. In Indonesian horror stories, strange noises like howls, whispers, or the sound of chains are often used to create a sense of fear. The element of mystery is also crucial. The stories usually don't reveal everything at once. For instance, when it comes to the origin of a ghost or a curse, it might be gradually uncovered as the story progresses. Moreover, the concept of the afterlife and the idea that the dead can interact with the living are frequently present. This can lead to all kinds of spooky scenarios where the dead seek revenge or try to communicate with the living in a menacing way.
The idea of spirits like the Wewe Gombel having the power to protect or harm based on human behavior is quite scary. It creates a sense of unease as people have to constantly be on their guard about how they act and what they say, especially when it comes to things related to the supernatural in their culture.
One common element is the presence of ghosts. As seen in the stories of Kuntilanak, Pocong and Leyak, ghosts play a major role. They are often associated with death and the afterlife.
The appearance of the ghosts can be really scary. For example, the Kuntilanak with her long hair and pale face. It gives a very creepy visual.
The unknown and the supernatural elements are the scariest. For example, in the stories of ghosts like Kuntilanak, we don't really know what they are capable of. Their appearance out of nowhere, especially in dark and lonely places, is terrifying.
Isolation. Often, in IT horror stories, the characters are isolated. For example, a lone system administrator might be the only one in the server room when something strange starts to happen with the servers. Another common element is the loss of control. The technology that is supposed to be under human control suddenly starts acting on its own, like a self - driving car going berserk in an IT - related horror scenario.
Horror stories often feature a protagonist who is in over their head. They might start out as an ordinary person, like in 'Rosemary's Baby' where Rosemary is just a normal woman, but then they are thrust into a terrifying situation. Settings also play a big role. Abandoned asylums, cemeteries, and old mansions are common settings in horror stories as they have an air of mystery and danger already associated with them.
Fear of death is a big element in horror stories. The threat of death, whether it's from a serial killer or a supernatural force, is always present. Also, there's often a sense of helplessness. The characters find themselves in situations where they seem to have little control over what's happening to them. For instance, in 'The Blair Witch Project', the characters are lost in the woods and being hunted by an unknown entity. There's also the use of suspense. Writers build up the tension by delaying the reveal of the horror, making the readers or viewers more and more anxious as the story progresses.
One Indonesian horror story is about the Kuntilanak. It is a female ghost often associated with banana trees. Legend has it that she was a woman who died during childbirth. People believe she wanders at night, looking for victims. Her appearance is often described as having long hair, a white dress, and pale skin.
One common theme is nature. Indonesian children's stories often feature beautiful natural landscapes like lush jungles and volcanoes, teaching children to respect and love nature. Another theme is family values. Stories usually show the importance of family unity and support. For example, a story might tell about a child who gets lost and how the family works together to find him. Also, moral lessons are prevalent, such as being honest and kind, which are imparted through the actions and consequences of the characters in the stories.
Common elements in diet horror stories include unrealistic goals. Many people aim to lose a huge amount of weight in a very short time. This leads them to choose very harsh diets. Also, ignoring the body's signals is a big part. They keep on with the diet even when they feel really unwell, like being constantly tired or having headaches, thinking it's just a phase.