The national film industry is once again enlivened by a horror offering titled 'Petaka Gunung Welirang', which officially hit the big screen on July 2, 2026. This 105-minute film tells the story of five friends—Arga, Naya, Satria, Noval, and Tita—who plan to celebrate their graduation with a hike, only to find themselves trapped in mystical terror in the Alas Lali Jiwo region.
The story was born from the personal reflection of hiking vlogger Maya Azka, which was then developed into a full-fledged script by writer Upi Avianto. Directed by Indra Gunawan and produced by Chand Parwez Servia from production house Kharisma Starvision Plus, this film not only sells horror elements but also highlights deep emotional dynamics and conflicts of friendship.
The film's visual strength is supported by authentic shooting locations in Pasuruan Regency, East Java. Utilizing iconic backgrounds such as Mount Welirang, Putuk Truno Waterfall, and Jendela Langit, the resulting cinematography builds a chilling atmosphere while showcasing the region's natural beauty. The film has received full support from the local government as a means of tourism promotion.
Public reception of the film has been very impressive. On its opening day, 'Petaka Gunung Welirang' successfully drew 92,166 viewers. This figure is strong proof that the combination of local mythology and a hiking horror-drama narrative remains highly attractive to movie lovers in Indonesia.
Despite presenting a familiar premise, the emotional approach offered makes the film worthy of appreciation. Balancing tension and character development, it is no surprise that this work received a positive rating of 7.5 out of 10, making it a must-watch for horror fans this year.
