Review Article

The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films

Volume: 12 Number: 1 June 1, 2026
TR EN

The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films

Abstract

Horror films often serve as a medium to convey information and depict stories rooted in oral traditions and local myths, particularly drawing from Javanese mythology. Filmmakers create films with the aim of entertaining while conveying underlying meanings. This study explores the significance of using myths in Indonesian horror films, questioning whether it reflects the preservation of cultural heritage, revives oral traditions, and provides a distinct Indonesian identity in global cinema. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the meaning of myths in the creation of myth, javanese culture, film Indonesian horror films and offers new insights into how cultural heritage can be translated into visual entertainment. Additionally, the research highlights the importance of films as a platform for strengthening cultural identity. This study aims to describe the meaning of Javanese myths in Indonesian horror films using a qualitative descriptive approach. Data collection techniques involve literature reviews. The research aims to explore data through books, scholarly works, and relevant journal articles on the topic. The findings indicate that the use of Javanese myths in Indonesian horror films is not only intended to create tension or fear but also to convey cultural messages embedded in those mythologies. Javanese myths serve as a means to preserve and introduce the values, beliefs, and traditions of the Javanese society to the audience, especially the younger generation.

Keywords

Thanks

The author would like to express sincere gratitude to Jenderal Soedirman University for its support in conducting this research. Special thanks are also extended to Dr. Nuryanti, S.IP., M.Sc., for her invaluable and constructive guidance throughout the research process. Her suggestions and directions greatly contributed to improving the quality of this journal. The author also extends appreciation to the publisher for providing valuable guidance and advice during the publication process.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Cultural Studies (Other)

Journal Section

Review Article

Publication Date

June 1, 2026

Submission Date

November 6, 2025

Acceptance Date

May 20, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 12 Number: 1

APA
Putri Nursyamsi, N. R. (2026). The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films. International Journal of Media Culture and Literature, 12(1), 59-77. https://izlik.org/JA86FX88KZ
AMA
1.Putri Nursyamsi NR. The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films. IJMCL. 2026;12(1):59-77. https://izlik.org/JA86FX88KZ
Chicago
Putri Nursyamsi, Nahara Reghy. 2026. “The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films”. International Journal of Media Culture and Literature 12 (1): 59-77. https://izlik.org/JA86FX88KZ.
EndNote
Putri Nursyamsi NR (June 1, 2026) The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films. International Journal of Media Culture and Literature 12 1 59–77.
IEEE
[1]N. R. Putri Nursyamsi, “The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films”, IJMCL, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 59–77, June 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA86FX88KZ
ISNAD
Putri Nursyamsi, Nahara Reghy. “The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films”. International Journal of Media Culture and Literature 12/1 (June 1, 2026): 59-77. https://izlik.org/JA86FX88KZ.
JAMA
1.Putri Nursyamsi NR. The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films. IJMCL. 2026;12:59–77.
MLA
Putri Nursyamsi, Nahara Reghy. “The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films”. International Journal of Media Culture and Literature, vol. 12, no. 1, June 2026, pp. 59-77, https://izlik.org/JA86FX88KZ.
Vancouver
1.Nahara Reghy Putri Nursyamsi. The Meaning of Myths in Javanese Culture in Indonesian Horror Films. IJMCL [Internet]. 2026 Jun. 1;12(1):59-77. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA86FX88KZ


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