Celine Evangelista and Valerie Thomas star in the horror film Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo

JAKARTA - The horror film industry in the country is again enlivened by the presence of the latest work by the production house owned by Gandhi Fernando.

The film titled Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo officially released its first poster and trailer, promising a modern horror experience rooted in the legendary folklore of Java.

Produced by Creator Media in collaboration with Maxstream Studios, Seru Juga Film Studio, and Vibe, the film was directed by Achmad Romie.

Unlike horror in general, Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo is a free adaptation of the Timun Mas story packaged in a thick family conflict and dark nuances.

The story focuses on Srini (played by Celine Evangelista), a single mother whose life begins to go awry. On the eve of her son's 6th birthday, a terrifying giant figure begins to terrorize their daily lives.

In his desperation, Srini asks for help from his ex-girlfriend, Ali (Gandhi Fernando), who now works as a content creator for the brave.

Ali and his sister, Lana (Valerie Thomas), who are in desperate need of money, finally agree to help Srini.

However, what they are facing is far more horrific than just social media content.

Terror after terror begins to reveal the dark secrets hidden in the house, while uncovering the veil about the figure of Buto Ijo - a mystical creature in Javanese mythology known as the guardian and bearer of disaster.

More Than Just a Jumpscare

Gandhi Fernando, who also acts as writer and producer, revealed that this film wants to give a deep emotional impression to the audience. According to him, the figure of Buto Ijo in this film is the personification of human basic nature.

"We want to present horror that is not only scary, but also emotionally scarring. The myth of Buto Ijo from our Timun Mas story is interpreted as greed and the consequences of human choices," Gandhi said in an official statement quoted by VOI, Monday, January 5, 2026.

Visually, Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo maximizes the use of the house set as the main terror room.

The oppressive atmosphere is built through intense lighting and sound design designed to bring the audience into a real-feeling mystical situation.

Release Schedule and Cast Trailer The two-minute trailer that has been released shows the intimidating visuals of Buto Ijo and the tension experienced by the main characters.

Apart from Celine Evangelista, Gandhi Fernando, and Valerie Thomas, the film is also starring a number of other talented actors such as Meryem Hasanah (Tisya), Adnan Djani (Indra), Arie Dwi Andhika (Riza), and Pratito Wibowo who plays the figure of Buto Ijo.

For you horror movie lovers with a touch of local culture, Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo is scheduled to be released simultaneously across all Indonesian cinema networks starting January 15, 2026.