Amidst the calm waters of the Thousand Islands, Pulau Kotok harbors a secret that unsettles the soul. A mysterious statue of a Chinese war general was discovered at the bottom of the sea, just north of the island. Made of porcelain and adorned with intricate carvings, the statue is not only a historical enigma but also exudes an eerie aura that sends shivers down the spine of anyone who hears its story.
Pulau Kotok is uniquely divided into different sections: the eastern part serves as a wildlife sanctuary for rehabilitating the endangered Brahminy kite, the central area is privately owned, while the western part is a luxurious resort destination.
However, a mystical atmosphere looms over the island, especially in areas surrounded by ancient trees and abandoned cottages. Several witnesses have reported seeing a large shadowy figure or hearing mysterious footsteps echoing through the night.
But the most intriguing tale lies beneath the ocean’s surface—where a mysterious porcelain statue was found at a depth of 20 to 30 meters.
A Statue That Chooses to Be Found
According to a senior diver from the Thousand Islands, this statue possesses an elusive nature. “Only certain people can see it,” he revealed. “If you actively search for it, it seems to disappear. But when you’re not looking, it suddenly appears right in front of you.”
The statue, covered in coral and seaweed, retains its regal presence with accessories and a hairstyle reminiscent of an ancient Chinese war general. At its base, the number “1825” is engraved, adding another layer of mystery. Could this be the year it was crafted, or does it hold a deeper meaning?
A Jakarta-based underwater photographer shared his chilling experience when attempting to capture the statue on camera. “Every photo I took came out blurry and unclear,” he recounted. Shortly after spotting the statue, the once-clear sky turned ominous. Dark clouds thickened, strong winds howled, and the waves surged wildly. But as soon as the dive team resurfaced, the weather inexplicably returned to normal, as if nothing had ever happened.
An Unsolved Mystery
There are various theories regarding the origins of the statue. A seasoned diver from the Thousand Islands believes it may be linked to the history of Pulau Karya (formerly known as Pulau Cina). In the 1820s, a Chinese trading ship reportedly sank in these waters due to a cholera outbreak that claimed the lives of its crew. Several Chinese ceramic artifacts have been found on the island, suggesting that the statue could be a relic from the ill-fated vessel.
Another theory suggests that the statue was deliberately submerged by an unknown individual under the cover of night. Whether it was part of a ritual, an offering, or merely an act of mischief remains a mystery.
An experienced diving instructor in the Thousand Islands shared an astonishing observation: “I once nudged the statue, and strangely, even though it swayed, it always returned to its upright position. It’s as if an unseen force keeps it standing.” This has led many to believe that the statue holds an energy or story beyond human comprehension.
A Bridge Between History and the Supernatural
Pulau Kotok is not just a paradise of natural beauty; it is also a realm of untold stories and spine-chilling mysteries. The statue of the Chinese War General reminds us that the ocean conceals more than just marine wonders—it hides history, secrets, and perhaps, messages beyond our understanding.
For those brave enough to explore the depths of Pulau Kotok, the statue awaits. But as a seasoned diver warns: “Don’t just see with your eyes, feel with your heart. The ocean always keeps its secrets.”
A Secret Lost in Time
“As the sun painted the sky orange, the diver prepared for descent. The waters of Pulau Kotok were calm, concealing mysteries deeper than they appeared. As he plunged beneath the waves, the light dimmed, revealing the statue standing silently before him—a forgotten guardian of time.”
“Seaweed coiled around its porcelain form, yet its aura of grandeur remained undiminished. Below, the number “1825” was etched like a whisper from the past.”
“As he approached, the very air around him seemed to shift. The pressure intensified, his heartbeat pounded in his ears, as if every molecule of water around him was whispering—holding him back from getting too close. But curiosity outweighed fear. The moment his hand touched the statue’s cold porcelain surface, it was as if a distant gong resonated through the ocean. Suddenly, the currents raged, shaking his body. Yet, the statue stood firm—defying time and tides, challenging the world of the living.”
