Synopsis of the film "Penunggu Rumah": Buto Ijo, the Terror of a Young Widow and the Dark Secret of the Legend of Timun Mas

The beginning of 2026 was an exciting time for Indonesian horror film fans. Several Indonesian filmmakers presented new works that didn't rely solely on jump scares but also adapted local stories with a fresh approach. One title that caught the attention was Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo, a horror film inspired by the Timun Mas folk legend, with a modern twist and a dark, oppressive atmosphere.

Depicting the figure of Buto Ijo, a familiar figure from childhood fairy tales, this film seeks to break that classic image. Rather than simply being a monster from a bedtime story, Buto Ijo is presented as a more realistic, mysterious, and meaningful symbol of terror. It's no wonder that from the moment its first trailer was released, the film immediately piqued audiences' curiosity.

Synopsis of Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo

The story of Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo centers on a family living peacefully in an old ancestral home. Initially, their lives proceed normally without any significant irregularities. However, this tranquility is slowly eroded when a series of strange events begins to occur within the house.

The terror begins with strange noises at night, a fleeting glimpse of a large shadow, and recurring nightmares experienced by one of the family members. A large, green creature slowly makes its presence known, though it is not yet fully visible. Initially, the family dismisses these occurrences as mere imagination, fatigue, or the effects of suggestion.

Over time, the disturbances become more intense and cannot be explained logically. Physical terror begins to emerge, objects move on their own, and fear spreads throughout the household. It is then that they realize that the house they live in holds a dark secret that has been closely hidden.

This film draws inspiration from the legend of Timun Mas, but presents it from a different perspective. In this version, Buto Ijo is not simply depicted as a predatory creature, but as an entity that has come to collect on an ancient promise. The promise was made by a previous generation and must now be repaid by their descendants.

The conflict escalates as the family tries to uncover the origins of the promise. They are forced to confront their dark past, family secrets, and the inevitable, dire consequences. Buto Ijo appears not merely as a terror-monger, but also as a reminder that every promise has a price to pay.

Instead of simply presenting visual horror, Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo also includes elements of family drama and psychological pressure. Guilt, fear, and denial become layers of emotion that strengthen the story. The audience is invited to delve into the inner tension of the characters, not just be shocked by the appearance of a terrifying creature.

Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo Cast

Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo is directed by Achmad Romie and is the result of a collaboration between several production houses, including Creator Media, Maxstream Studios, Serujuga Film Studio, and Vibe. This collaboration features a cast that is well-known to Indonesian audiences.

Some of the actors and actresses involved include Gandhi Fernando, Celine Evangelista, Valerie Thomas, Adnan Djani, Meryem Hasanah, Pratito Wibowo, and Arie Dwi Andhika. Their presence is expected to provide emotional depth and acting intensity that support the film's horror atmosphere.

Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo Release Date

Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo is scheduled to hit Indonesian theaters on January 15, 2026. Bringing a local legend to life in a modern way, this film is one of the most anticipated horror releases of the early year.

For horror fans who enjoy stories of mystery, past promises, and psychological terror, this film offers a unique viewing experience. More than just a scare, Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo invites viewers to ponder the consequences of broken agreements and secrets hidden for too long.

Are you ready to face the terror of the new, darker, and more gripping Buto Ijo? This film looks set to test the audience's courage from the first minute to the last.