Bandung, IndonesiaSentinel.com — The Bunian People are mythical beings believed to inhabit the forests of Sumatra and Kalimantan. The existence of the Bunian People remains a mystery, yet many locals strongly believe in these beings, who are said to frequently lead people astray if they walk into the forest alone. This is one of the folklores of Indonesia, The Bunian People.
According to legend, these mythical creatures inhabit the forests and mountains of Sumatra and Kalimantan. They are believed to create illusions that disorient those who wander through the forest, especially at dusk. Those who get lost often report strange experiences, such as smelling food fragrant or seeing a welcoming village, only to later realize they were trapped in a different realm.
These creatures are often depicted as short with inverted feet, living deep in the forest. In some contexts, Bunian People are also associated with the term “dewa” (spirit or deity).
In the Minangkabau tradition, the word “dewa” refers to a supernatural being residing in forests, near hills, or in cemeteries. When the dusk comes, a distinctive fragrance known as “samba dewa” is said to emanate from these areas, signaling their presence.
Despite being believed to reside in forests or hilly regions, not everyone can see the Bunian People. This is because they are thought to exist in a different dimension from humans. Some also believe that these beings live in secluded places or abandoned homes, creating a large community that resembles human social structures.
However, they have the ability to blend in with humans without being noticed. Bunian People are described as having beautiful or handsome appearances when they reveal themselves to humans. Folklore says that when Bunian People show themselves, it may be because they have fallen in love with a human. It is believed that they follow the person they are interested in, sometimes leading to marriage. Among the Malay community, there is a belief that Bunian People can marry humans and even have children with them.
One well-known legend tells of a man who was believed to have disappeared after being taken by the Bunian People. When he finally returned to his village, all his relatives had passed away, as he had been gone for many years.
Mentawai Tribe, the Oldest Tribe Living on Mentawai Island
People are often afraid of Bunian People, as they are said to kidnap and lead people astray in the forest. This usually happens at dusk when someone is in the forest and suddenly smells a delicious aroma. This is said to be the Bunian People’s way of luring someone into their village.
Those who are led astray often feel welcomed by a friendly village community. The environment is so pleasant that some choose to stay there, even marrying and starting families. However, these individuals lose all memory of their previous lives, as the Bunian People’s world is described as enchanting and beautiful. When a person is eventually released, they often return in a disturbed mental state.
Some believe the Bunian People help people when they are lost in the forest, though locals still prefer not to enter the forest alone, especially in the late afternoon.
The existence of Bunian People remains a mystery and continues to be a significant part of local folklore, passed down through generations as both a warning and a reminder of the unseen mysteries that lurk within Indonesia’s vast forests.
(Raidi/Agung)
