RRI.CO.ID, Banjarmasin – Pirunduk is one of many urban legends told among the Banjar people of South Kalimantan. Once passed down only through oral tradition, these stories are now gradually being adapted into a film.

Cultural activist Faisal Embron, who serves as a consultant for the Pirunduk film, said the move reflects efforts to preserve folklore amid modernization. “Urban legends are now gaining attention beyond South Kalimantan. Film becomes a way to ensure these stories endure,” he said during RRI’s Ragam Budaya program on Sunday, April 26, 2026.

The film is set along the Barito River in South Kalimantan during the 1980s, a period when the legend was believed to have taken root.

Its storyline follows a wronged Banjar woman who, in despair after her husband takes another wife, turns to the forbidden mantra Pirunduk. This mystical practice allows her to subdue others through food but condemns her to a curse that lingers even after death, transforming her into a restless spirit.

The narrative blends horror with cultural reflection, warning against the dangers of unchecked desire and the misuse of supernatural power.

The production featured a mix of national actors, including Bucek Depp, Aulia Sarah, and Yuriko Angeline, alongside local performers, and even included the regent of Barito Kuala. Around 60 percent of the dialogue is in the Banjar language, and more than 70 percent of the crew were locals, giving the film strong cultural authenticity.

Banjar folklore includes other legends such as Hantu Banyu, a water spirit believed to haunt rivers; Halang Tambunao, a supernatural barrier said to block travelers; and Hantu Sandah, a ghostly figure feared for disturbing communities. These tales, along with Pirunduk, reflect the cultural imagination tied to the river and daily life.

Another cultural figure, Iberahim, emphasized that adapting Pirunduk for the screen must retain its authenticity. “This era offers great opportunities to develop local stories through visual media. If packaged well, regional tales can attract wider audiences without losing their identity,” he said.

He added that the strength of Banua’s river culture provides a unique atmosphere not found in modern narratives elsewhere. Folklore such as Kuyang or Pirunduk, when visualized, can spark interest among younger generations. “Creativity in visual storytelling and youth involvement are key to sustaining local culture in South Kalimantan,” Iberahim said. (Lasti Martina/Bambang MBK)