(CNN) "Ghosts" wrapped in white sheets are roaming the streets of a neighborhood in Indonesia's central Java province trying to spook people into staying home during the coronavirus outbreak.

The "pocong" or "pochong," is a ghost known in local folklore for haunting graveyards, which wears the remnants of a burial shroud, tied in a knot at the head and feet.

Volunteers in Kepuh village in Sukoharjo told Reuters they have been holding "surprise patrols" every few days since early April -- although the plan initially backfired when they became a social media sensation and there was an increase in people venturing out of their homes to see the ghosts.

"First of all, we want to be different. Secondly, to create a deterrent effect because 'pocong' is spooky and scary," said the head of the youth volunteer group, Anjar Pancaningtyas, adding that the initiative was in cooperation with local police.

"Since we set up the pocong roadblock, the environment of the village has become more conducive [to the idea of staying inside]," he added.

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