QAPLO – The myth of babi ngepet remains one of the most well-known supernatural stories in Indonesia. For generations, this legend has circulated among Betawi and Javanese communities as a symbol of pesugihan —a mystical practice believed to grant instant wealth through occult means. Despite rapid advances in technology and modernization, stories about babi ngepet continue to spark public fascination and frequently go viral on social media. The Origins of the Babi Ngepet Myth in Indonesian Culture In traditional folklore, babi ngepet refers to a person who is said to transform into a wild boar through a special ritual in order to acquire wealth by supernatural means. This belief has been deeply rooted in Betawi and Javanese traditions for decades. According to the 2004 publication Cerita Rakyat Betawi issued by the Dinas Kebudayaan DKI Jakarta, the practice is believed to involve occult powers obtained through a mountain guardian or spiritual intermediary. The ritual is said to require specific conditions and sacrifices from the practitioner. In many versions of the story, the individual wears special attributes before undergoing the transformation and embarking on a mystical quest for riches. Spiritual Meaning and a Symbol of Instant Wealth Beyond its supernatural elements, the babi ngepet myth is often interpreted as a moral allegory about human greed and the desire for quick wealth. The story portrays individuals willing to pursue dark and forbidden paths to gain money without honest effort. Cultural scholar G. W. J. Drewes once referred to the term nyegik , describing the transformation of humans into pigs in certain folk narratives. One legend tells of a man who became extraordinarily wealthy after marrying a pig spirit, only to be perceived as a wild boar by people in his own village. The tale serves as a cautionary story about the consequences of ambition and excessive greed. The “Guarding the Candle” Ritual Another well-known element of the babi ngepet myth is the ritual known as jaga lilin (“guarding the candle”), which is commonly said to involve a husband and wife. While one partner performs the ritual and is believed to transform into a boar, the other remains at home to watch over a burning candle. The candle is considered a spiritual connection between the physical and supernatural worlds and is believed to protect the practitioner during the ritual. If the candle goes out, folklore suggests that the person may be harmed or fail to return to human form. Historical Perspectives on Pesugihan Historian Kuntowijoyo, in his book Muslim Tanpa Masjid, explains that beliefs in pesugihan , including babi ngepet , tuyul , and other mystical practices, emerged within traditional agrarian societies. In earlier times, wealth was closely associated with land ownership and agricultural success. Because accumulating wealth quickly was difficult, communities often suspected that suddenly wealthy individuals had received assistance from supernatural forces. These beliefs evolved into oral traditions that continue to influence popular culture today. Babi Ngepet in the Age of Social Media The legend resurfaced prominently in the digital era when several incidents involving alleged babi ngepet gained widespread attention online. One of the most famous cases occurred in Depok, where residents captured a pig they believed to be a babi ngepet . The incident quickly became a trending topic across social media platforms, prompting debates between believers in supernatural phenomena and those favoring scientific explanations. Although the animal was ultimately determined to be an ordinary pig, the event demonstrated how strongly the myth still resonates within Indonesian society. Scientific Explanations of Babi Ngepet From a scientific standpoint, there is no evidence supporting the existence of babi ngepet . Zoology researcher Taufiq Purna Nugraha from Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia stated that animals commonly labeled as babi ngepet are simply ordinary pigs. According to him, the term has no basis in zoological classification or modern scientific research. “From a scientific perspective, there is no such thing as babi ngepet. It is simply a regular pig.” Even so, researchers recognize and respect such beliefs as part of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage and folklore traditions. Why the Myth Still Persists In today’s digital economy, many people can achieve financial success through entrepreneurship, investments, and online businesses. Nevertheless, some individuals continue to associate sudden wealth with mystical practices. Experts suggest this phenomenon is linked to social jealousy, economic inequality, and the enduring influence of local traditions passed down through generations. As a result, the babi ngepet myth remains a living part of Indonesian folklore. Between Culture, Belief, and Reality The story of babi ngepet illustrates the complex relationship between culture, spirituality, and society’s
