Called “ninjas”, the assailants were behind some of the killings of people accused of being sorcerers in the eastern part of Java Island in 1998 and 1999.

In a country where sorcery has long been part of life in rural areas, sorcerers are blamed for almost all problems, from harvest failure to incurable illnesses.

Still, the horrific murders were unusual and sparked hysteria and revenge attacks across Banyuwangi regency, regarded as the center of sorcery, and other parts of the island.

Quran teacher Ahmad Sugiono, who lives in Banyuwangi, said eyewitness accounts had it that the ninjas were highly skilful.

“They suddenly appeared, then suddenly disappeared,” he told The Straits Times in the fourth episode of the True Crimes Of Asia podcast series. “Even when people knew they were coming and ambushed them, they could disappear. They left no trace.”

In Banyuwangi alone, 194 people died in the bloodletting, according to the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). The toll reached 108 in Jember and seven in Malang.

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