The Banyuwangi Mystery (Shaman Wizard) is one of the most talked-about movies released in 1998, attracting audiences with its cinematic storytelling and memorable performances.
Ratmono is attracted to a Gandrung Banyuwangi (a traditional dance from Banyuwangi area) dancer and he intends to divorce his wife. His intention to marry the dancer costs him his wealth and drives him into poverty. He ends up hanging himself. This incites the hatred of the villagers against the voodoo shaman and they decide to chase away all shamans. But a Muslim minister (Ustad), Sutar, prevents them from doing so. Soon, the village is gripped by a series of killings of those considered to be voodoo shamans. They start suspecting the religious figures (Kiai) but the murders are committed by several men in black, with their faces covered like ninjas. The minister is also threatened by anonymous phone calls and is even attacked. Then the authorities release a statement that there are no ninjas. The murders remain a mystery. Symbolically, it ends with a little boy carrying the national flag with his friends.
