'Mystical power exists but I don't see psychics'

The fact that one never visits a psychic does not necessarily mean he or she does not believe in mystical power. Several people told The Jakarta Post that though they believe in the existence of supernatural powers they refuse to seek the advice of psychics.

Muhammad Nuh, 57, has been a bajaj (three-wheeled vehicle) driver since 1985. He resides in Menteng Wadas Timur, South Jakarta, with his wife and their only son. Two of the couple's children have died:

I somewhat believe in mysticism as it exists in our society. But, honestly I never visit psychics.

I might say "yes" to my friend who asks me to accompany him to see a psychic. But, it never comes across my mind to fully believe in fortunetellers. I cannot rely on their power.

If my neighbor is healed by a shaman, it's purely coincidental. I don't believe that the shaman heals him.

I would rather work hard or pray seriously rather than seek advice from fortunetellers.

Suharyoso, 57, is a trader who sells chicken at a traditional market in Sumur Batu, Central Jakarta. He has been living in Cempaka Baru subdistrict in Central Jakarta with his wife and four children for 25 years. He comes from Yogyakarta:

I don't think I could believe in the paranormal, despite the fact that my father is a psychic. I used to be in a conflict with my father due to our different ways of thinking.

Well, I believe in the existence of mysticism but I believe it is Satan's way of influencing human beings to commit evil.

I have religion and that's what I keep to be my ultimate belief. So, whenever I have hard times, which many may believe as the results of supernatural impacts, I always turn it to Almighty God who warns me for my wrongdoings.

Should we be in misfortune, why we don't we just pray to God rather than wasting time visiting a psychic.

Yovita Vera C, 24, is a junior high school teacher of a noted private school in Pluit, North Jakarta. She comes from Semarang and moved to Jakarta last month. She now lives in Palmerah, West Jakarta:

Sometimes I believe in mysticism, shamans or psychics. But, many times I have found it hard to believe.

Practically, I would believe in a psychic when the result is good. But, for the evil things I would say no way to any shaman.

I've ever visited a psychic for a consultation, but just for fun ... I didn't keep the psychic's words in my mind.

I think a person who has supernatural powers would never make money or attract visitors from his talent. A gifted psychic is priceless.

The most important thing for me is just to believe in what I believe in most.

Alex P. Mandau, 33, is a research manager of a noted private company in South Jakarta who lives in Karet, also in the same mayoralty. He comes from Bali and moved to Jakarta six years ago:

I just believe in a gifted psychic who has a sixth sense enabling them to act beyond normal people's capability.

However, I never see psychics about my problems, whether it is about my career, future forecasts or alternative healing.

It's all right for me to know other people with their irrational beliefs as long as they don't force me to believe what I cannot perceive with my senses.

I'm just concerned about our society who tend to be easily misled by such irrational and mystical ideas. Maybe, the hardship and desperation of life lead them that way.

In addition, I think psychics who promote themselves through various advertisements are not credible and tend to be deceptive.

-- Leo Wahyudi S