Petaka Gunung Gede

Petaka Gunung Gede (2025): Indonesian Folk-Horror with Deep Cultural Roots

Directed by Azhar Kinoi Lubis and written by Upi Avianto, Petaka Gunung Gede is a 2025 Indonesian folk-horror film based on a real-life experience shared by Maya Azka, whose viral YouTube video captured public attention. The film transforms her harrowing hiking trip on Mount Gede into a supernatural thriller that mixes traditional beliefs, psychological suspense, and emotional depth.

The story revolves around Maya (played by Arla Ailani) and her best friend Ita (played by Adzana Ashel), who join a group of students for a holiday hike on Mount Gede. The journey begins as a typical adventure, but things take a dark turn when Ita, unaware of local customs, admits to being on her period. In many Indonesian traditions, menstruating women are discouraged from entering sacred or spiritually sensitive areas like mountains, believed to be protected by unseen forces.

Soon after, disturbing signs emerge: eerie noises in the forest, mysterious shadows, and Ita’s bizarre behavior. The group encounters unexplained phenomena that lead them to believe they have angered a supernatural entity. As their situation worsens, they come to suspect they are being watched — possibly by the spirit of Putri Telaga, the mythical guardian of the lake.

Filmed on location at Surya Kencana and Telaga Biru, the movie benefits greatly from its haunting, misty mountain scenery. The physical challenges faced by the cast while shooting in rugged terrain add realism to the story. The cinematography captures both the natural beauty and isolating terror of the mountain, while the sound design heightens tension with whispers, silence, and distant cries echoing through the trees.

The performances are one of the film's strongest points. Arla Ailani brings a grounded strength to Maya, portraying a character torn between rationality and fear. Adzana Ashel delivers a chilling and emotional performance as Ita, whose mental and physical state gradually unravels under the mysterious influence of the mountain. Their chemistry highlights a bond of true friendship, elevating the emotional stakes beyond mere survival.

The film builds tension through a slow-burning narrative, combining psychological horror with traditional folklore. Rather than relying on excessive jump scares, Petaka Gunung Gede leans into atmosphere and mood. It effectively weaves in themes of grief, guilt, taboo, and cultural reverence, offering not just a horror film, but a reflection on how ancient beliefs still shape modern lives.

Upon release in February 2025, the film quickly found commercial success, becoming one of the top-grossing Indonesian films of the year. It passed major milestones in audience numbers within weeks and resonated strongly with both horror fans and general viewers.

Ultimately, Petaka Gunung Gede is more than just a scary movie — it is a thoughtful, unsettling story rooted in Indonesian spiritual tradition and female friendship. It speaks to the unseen forces that live within belief systems, and the price of ignoring cultural wisdom. In a genre often dominated by loud spectacle, this film stands out for its quiet terror and emotional sincerity.