Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The legend of Burong Tujoh is one of the most enduring and mysterious myths in Acehnese folklore. Steeped in mysticism and local spiritual beliefs, this myth continues to resonate within the cultural fabric of the region.
According to a paper titled An In-Depth Review of the Burong Tujoh Myth: An Exploration of Acehnese Mythology by Ikbal Husni, Ira Novita Sari, and Fitriani, the burong tujoh is strongly tied to beliefs in black magic and supernatural forces.
In the Acehnese language, the term burong carries a dual meaning. While it can refer to a “bird,” it is also used to describe a malevolent spirit or ghost believed to bring misfortune. The number tujoh, or seven, adds to the myth’s sacred and ominous tone.
The burong tujoh is said to be deliberately conjured and maintained by local shamans known as dukun to perform dark deeds. In exchange, the spirit must be appeased with regular offerings to prevent it from turning on its keeper.
Often depicted as a ghostly figure wrapped in a funeral shroud and hovering above the ground, the burong tujoh is said to emit a wailing cry resembling that of a woman weeping in despair. Possession by the spirit can result in physical illness, and in extreme cases is death.
Read Also:
Folktales suggest the burong tujoh originates from the soul of a woman who died an unnatural death, such as during childbirth or as a victim of murder. These restless spirits, unable to find peace, are believed to wander the earth in anger.
The myth also highlights the symbolic significance of the number seven in Acehnese culture. Odd numbers, particularly seven, are considered spiritually potent, linked to the seven days of the week, the seven layers of the sky, and the seven layers of the earth. The number is also thought to hold sampena, or spiritual power, used in rituals to restore lost identity or emotional balance.
Over time, the burong tujoh legend has evolved into a broader cultural belief that reflects Acehnese values around morality, spiritual boundaries, and the delicate harmony between humans and the unseen world.
While modern science has cast doubt on such supernatural tales, the burong tujoh remains a powerful symbol in Aceh, blending mysticism, fear, and cultural identity in one of Indonesia’s most spiritually rich regions.
(Raidi/Agung)
