Not Just Scary, Songko Film Offers Class Horror from Minahasa

JAKARTA - The Indonesian horror film industry is back with a new work through Songko. However, this film does not come as a normal horror. Instead of relying only on terror and jumpscare, the Songko film offers something deeper, namely telling stories of the region with a serious, authentic, and classy approach.

Inspired by the legend of the Minahasa people, North Sulawesi, this film is an example of how local stories that have been passed down orally can be processed into mature cinematic works. Starting from cultural research, location selection, to the involvement of local talent, everything is done to maintain the authenticity of the story.

This approach also marks a new direction in the development of Indonesian horror films. No longer just relying on fear, but also strengthening the narrative and meaning within it.

Santara Executive Producer Whisnu Baker emphasized that from the beginning, Songko was designed to be more than just a horror film.

"We believe that the regional stories in Indonesia have tremendous power. Through Songko, we want to show that horror can be a medium to raise cultural identity, not just entertainment," said Whisnu, quoted from Dunia Mencekam Studio's official statement on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Whisnu added that the approach used was a form of commitment to maintaining the authenticity of the story.

"By involving local talent and conducting research directly to the community, we want to ensure that the stories we bring still have strong roots. Hopefully, the audience will not only feel afraid, but also feel connected to the story," he continued.

Public response has begun to be seen since the promotional material to the trailer was released. On social media, many netizens appreciate the different approach taken by this film.

"Rarely horror in the area but the cinematography is quite convincing," wrote the account @athalla_kukuuuu

Other comments also highlighted the strong and authentic local feel.

"I was a little surprised to hear the mixed accent. But I'm proud," said the account @gladystumimbang.

Not a few also hope that this film will pave the way for other regional stories to be brought to the big screen.

"It's good, it uses Sulut's typical language. They just translate it into standard Indonesian." @ofcmahesa

This phenomenon shows that Indonesian audiences are now starting to look for more meaningful entertainment, not just instant entertainment. There is a desire to see stories that are close to their own culture, but are still packaged with high cinematic quality.

With a blend of horror, culture, and story depth, Songko has the potential to be a new milestone in Indonesian horror cinema. This film not only presents fear, but also brings regional stories to a wider stage.

Starring Annette Edoarda, Imelda Therinne, Fergie Brittany, Tegar Satria, and Khiva Iskak, the film Songko is scheduled to be shown in all Indonesian cinemas starting April 23, 2026.