TV program 'Alternatif' presents long-distance healing
TV program 'Alternatif' presents long-distance healing
JAKARTA (JP): Repeating Allahu Akbar (God is Great) over and
over, HMA Bijak Bestari, a 'hypermetaphysical expert', was trying
to send his energy from the ANteve studios in Jakarta to Heru, an
audience member in Surabaya, East Java, who was suffering from a
complicated illness. Heru also uttered the same words Allahu
Akbar continuously as suggested by the healer.
After about five minutes, Lula Kamal, the presenter, asked
Heru "How do you feel now?"
"I have a headache and my body sweats," answered Heru over the
telephone.
That was an example of an episode of Alternatif a few weeks
ago.
Certain questions arose when watching the program such as
whether or not it was true or even ethical. Was it possible that
Heru received energy while they were hundreds of miles apart? Did
Heru really recover from his illness?
"Yes. It is true. We don't manipulate the show," the producer,
Endang Suryana, said.
"In fact, this can be explained," he said. Even though he also
admitted that he was confused, he understood that the system was
based on accommodating the natural energies. According to him,
Bestari could receive the energy by doing certain movements and
saying dzikir (praise God). Everybody can do this as an exercise
and Endang asserts that this system is only for positive
purposes.
The program, broadcast live every Saturday at 8:30 a.m, is
representative of some Indonesian people who believe that you do
not need to see a medical doctor if you are sick. Instead, the
patients pursue alternative healing techniques such as
parapsychology, acupuncture or herbal medicine. What's more, they
believe that traditional medicine is more effective than modern
medicine.
Alternatif was created in 1998 following the economic crisis
which affected people's purchasing power. As people could not
afford the rocketing medical prices, they turned to traditional
medicines which were cheaper. Alternative healing is not actually
new for many people but it has become more popular recently.
Endang said that the program aims at informing the public
about alternative treatments. He claims it as the first
Indonesian television program. He does not agree that the
program, which often attracts strong reactions and criticism from
modern medical practitioners, is comparable to Hidup Sehat
Bersama Hembing (Healthy Lifestyle ala Hembing), which has been
broadcast on RCTI for the past three years. While Hidup Sehat
focuses on traditional medicine, Alternatif sometimes also
features modern medical treatment.
Alternatif, which has attracted many commercials, presents a
healer who is available for long-distance consultation by phone.
Most of the callers are people who are sick or have relatives who
are sick.
The program also invites criticism from the audience. Some
believe it and some do not.
For those who believe in alternative healing, this is an
informative program they should not miss. Also, they can use it
as a reference to visit alternative practitioners, given the fact
that some are bogus.
"It is only an entertainment program," Merdias Almatsier,
former the chairman of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI),
commented.
He also considers the show unethical and purely promotional.
To cure a patient and to make a conclusion that a patient has
recovered from the illness, a modern medical assessment is
required, Merdias said. However, he appreciates the acupuncture
and traditional medicines, including local techniques and those
from China whose effectiveness have been known about for a long
time.
Alternative healing and mainstream medical treatment are
totally different but they have the same purpose -- to cure the
patient.
As Prof. Zhang Da Qian, a noted acupuncturist from China,
states -- there is no perfect treatment. It always has strengths
and weaknesses. "We must take the strength as something new
without forgetting the weakness", he was once quoted by Kompas
daily as saying (Mohammad Yazid).