Pocong
| Creature information | |
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | hantu bungkus (Malay), bobongkong (Banten Sundanese), Kende-Kende (Sama-Bajau) |
| Origin | |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Region |
Central and eastern part of Java
Nationwide Indonesia and countries with significant Javanese diaspora |
| This article is a part of the series on |
| Indonesian mythology and folklore |
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Pocong (Indonesian pronunciation: [pɔ't͡ʃɔŋ] poh-chong; from Javanese: ꦥꦺꦴꦕꦺꦴꦁ, romanized: pocong, lit. 'wrapped-in-shroud') is a ghost that resembles a dead body wrapped in a shroud. In Islamic funerals, a shroud called a "kain kafan" (in Indonesian and Malay) is used to wrap the body of the dead person. The dead body is covered in a white fabric that is tied over the head, under the feet, and around the neck. The shroud is firmly secured at multiple points to ensure it stays in place during the journey to the gravesite. Upon placement in the grave, it is believed that the knots must be undone; otherwise, the corpse will animate and become known as a Pocong. Pocong is also known in Malaysia as Hantu Bungkus (wrapped-up ghost).