The Orang Pendek, which translates to “short person” in Indonesian, is a creature from Indonesian folklore, particularly associated with the island of Sumatra. The Orang Pendek is said to often raid fields for their crops, especially potatoes and fruits. Natives of the island claim the creature has a taste for the Asian Durian fruit.
Early reports of hairy men came from Giovanni de Marignolli's notes (1338–53), when he visited the "Kingdom of Saba" (possibly Java or Sumatra, although present day Sabah is in north east Kalimantan), in which he said he seldom caught sight of them, but they would hide in the forest when they perceived someone was coming. Giovanni states:
Appearance[]
It is described as a bipedal primate that stands between 80 and 150 cm (30 to 60 inches) tall and is covered in short fur. Reports of sightings have persisted for over a century, with various groups including local tribes, Dutch colonists, and Western scientists claiming to have encountered this elusive being.
Possible Explanations[]
There are several explanations as to what the creature could be. Theories include:
- An undiscovered species (a Cryptid)
- A apes
Trivia[]
- Among the Suku Anak Dalam (Children of the Inner-forest), also known as Orang Kubu or Orang Rimba, there are legends that describe the Orang Pendek as a co-inhabitant of their forest environment. These nomadic groups have shared stories about encounters with this creature for generations. In particular, they refer to another entity called “Hantu Pendek,” which resembles the Orang Pendek but is viewed more as a supernatural being rather than an animal.
- Dutch colonists in the early 20th century documented their experiences with creatures resembling the Orang Pendek. One notable account comes from Mr. van Heerwarden in 1923, who described encountering a dark-haired creature while surveying land. His detailed observations included descriptions of its physical characteristics—long arms and short legs—and noted that it did not resemble an ape.