Indonesia carnival sparks controversy over satanic-themed imagery

The Simbang Kulon Night Carnival (SKNC) 2026 in Pekalongan, Central Java, Indonesia, has sparked controversy after footage showing costumes, props and theatrical performances described by social media users as satanic circulated widely online.

The carnival took place on Thursday, 10 September, in Simbang Kulon village, Buaran district, Pekalongan regency.

SKNC was held as part of celebrations marking the Maulid Nabi Muhammad, the observance of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday, and as part of a series of events accompanying the 61st mass circumcision programme.

Simbang Kulon is known for its strong religious character and is regarded as one of the strongholds of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU).

The event has since become a subject of intense discussion among Indonesian social media users, with “SK Night Pekalongan NU” among the terms circulating online.

Footage draws criticism over dark-themed performances

Videos circulating online showed participants wearing costumes depicting demons and other frightening characters, alongside props and symbols that viewers associated with satanic imagery.

One performance featured participants wearing white robes carrying a coffin and standing in a circle. A live goat was then placed inside the coffin.

Footage appeared to show one participant cutting the goat before its head was lifted, with blood visible. The scene was later described as theatrical rather than an actual act of satanic worship.

Another prominent character appeared in a giant demon-like costume, carrying a torch and a replica of a book bearing a one-eyed symbol.

Dark-themed decorations were also visible at the carnival site, including an inverted pentagram.

The imagery prompted criticism on social media, with some users viewing the performances as resembling satanic rituals despite the scenes being presented as theatrical.

Some social media users also compared the incident with controversial carnival performances in Brazil, which have also been associated by users with dark-themed and disturbing imagery.

Participant died hours after carnival, police say

The online controversy was accompanied by reports that a participant wearing a devil-themed costume had died.

Pekalongan City Police public relations officer Iptu Purno Utomo identified the participant as Ahmad Faiz bin H. Masykur, 40, a resident of Simbang Kulon, Buaran district.

Purno said reports that Faiz had died suddenly during the carnival were inaccurate.

According to Purno, Faiz went to his uncle’s home in Gang 1B, Simbang Kulon, at around midnight after the carnival. He was still able to talk with friends and bought tea for his uncle.

“At around 2.30 a.m., Ahmad Faiz asked his uncle for permission to return home to sleep because he was tired,” Purno said when contacted on Sunday, 13 September.

At about 4 a.m., Faiz’s wife found him breathing heavily. The family attempted to take him to a doctor, but no doctor was available at the time.

A religious figure in Simbang Kulon later advised the family to accept Faiz’s condition, but his family continued trying to take him to Pekajangan Islamic Hospital.

“However, when he was about to be taken by motor vehicle, Ahmad Faiz had already died,” Purno said.

Police plan to seek information from organisers

Purno said Faiz’s family had accepted his death and did not want an autopsy to be conducted.

He said initial information indicated that Faiz’s death was unrelated to the carnival and was believed to have resulted from exhaustion after he had returned home and gone to sleep.

“Yes, the initial information is that it was unrelated. He died at home. He had already gone to sleep. Exhaustion,” Purno said.

Police are also looking into the organisation of the carnival following the public reaction to its satanic-themed imagery.

Purno said authorities were monitoring the situation and planned to summon the organisers to obtain further information about the event.

“We monitor it, we take the suggestions, we monitor it,” he said.