When Emmelia Helkins first went to Indonesia, she was a skeptic. But after multiple trips and strange encounters, her answer to the question ‘Do you believe in ghosts?’ has become a hesitant ‘I don’t know. But maybe.’
In a new essay co-authored with her father, anthropologist Ronald Lukens-Bull, she recounts experiences that challenged her worldview. From sleep paralysis with a whispering voice to seeing flashes of light, she found that in Indonesia, such stories are not dismissed but discussed openly.
The shift was not about suddenly believing in ghosts but about losing confidence that the past is safely contained. In Indonesia, she says, the past feels more present.
Her honest confession has struck a chord online, sparking conversations about the power of cultural context in shaping belief. Emmelia’s answer reflects a humility that resonates with many who have had unexplainable experiences.
Article and image source: insideindonesia.org
