About This Course

This fully online, self-paced course explores how myths, rituals, and taboos continue to shape contemporary Indonesian popular culture. Through a critical examination of films, social media, music, urban legends, and consumer culture, learners will discover how ancient belief systems are transformed and reimagined in everyday life. From ghost stories circulating on social media to ritualized celebrity worship and evolving food taboos, the course invites students to reflect on how these cultural narratives inform identity, politics, and morality in modern Indonesia. Learning materials include video lectures, selected academic readings, short clips and documentaries. 

After completing this course, learners will be able to: 

1. identify and interpret core cultural narratives in Indonesian pop culture

2. analyze how myths, rituals, and taboos are represented across different media forms

3. critically evaluate the cultural, religious, and political functions of these practices

4. compare traditional and contemporary manifestations of belief and identity in Indonesian society. 

Requirements

This course is designed for students and cultural enthusiasts with an interest in Indonesian popular culture, media, and cultural studies. No prerequisites are required — just bring an open mind and a sense of curiosity!

Dr. Maria Regina Widhiasti

Lecturer in the German Studies Program, Faculty of Humanities, Universitas Indonesia

Regina is a researcher and lecturer with a passion for storytelling, culture, and all things curious. With a background in literature and cultural studies, she explores how myths, rituals, and taboos continue to shape everyday life - especially in contemporary Indonesia. Outside the classroom, Regina enjoys films and literature, street food, and asking big questions about small things. Through this course she brings together academic insight and pop culture fun to help you see the unseen in the world around you.