FK-KMK UGM. Traditional medicine continues to thrive, evident in its widespread adoption as an alternative approach by communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) at the First Global High-Level Conference in 2023 on Traditional Medicine officially termed it as Traditional & Complementary Medicine (T&CM).
Drawing upon her dedication to her mother, Prof. Intansari Nurjannah, S.Kp., M.NSc., Ph.D., devoted her expertise to delve into this field of study. In her inaugural speech upon being appointed as a Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, Gadjah Mada University (FK-KMK UGM) in the field of Mental Health Nursing and Community on Tuesday (30/4) at the Senate Hall, UGM Central Building, Prof. Intan acknowledged her involvement in traditional healthcare while caring for her mother.
“Empowered by the power of love, we tirelessly sought alternative treatments beyond conventional medicine, eventually discovering Sujok therapy,” she explained.
In her address titled ‘Sujok Therapy as Part of Traditional Healthcare to Address Physical and Psychological Issues in Clinical and Community Settings’, Prof. Intan emphasized that Sujok therapy could be a priority choice for study and application due to its simplicity for healthcare workers and affordability for patients.
Sujok therapy, originating from Korea and first introduced by Prof. Park Jae Woo, a South Korean philosopher, involves stimulating specific areas or points on the patient’s hands and feet. Notably, Sujok has been further developed by Prof. Park since the 2000s through Sujok Triorigin, which encompasses dimensions of mind, body, life, and soul in humans.
“To date, formal traditional healthcare services utilizing Sujok therapy are not available in hospitals and community health centers in Indonesia, thus necessitating attention,” she added.
Prof. Intan elaborated on her efforts to promote Sujok therapy in various community health centers in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, including Turi Health Center, Gamping II Health Center, and Jetis II Health Center, Bantul.
“In 2024, plans are underway to establish traditional healthcare services offering Sujok therapy at Jetis II Health Center, Bantul, in collaboration with FK-KMK UGM,” she further stated.
Her research at Jetis II Health Center, Bantul, revealed an increase in routine visits by hypertension and diabetes patients in the Chronic Disease Management Program (Prolanis) due to the implementation of Sujok therapy services driven by FK-KMK UGM’s community service program since 2023.
At the conclusion of the event, Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG (K)., Ph.D., the Rector of Gadjah Mada University, expressed pride in Prof. Intan’s achievements. She highlighted that Prof. Intan is the second full professor to emerge from the Nursing Science Study Program at FK-KMK UGM.
“May there be even more new full professors in the future – from the field of nursing,” she concluded.
Through her dedication, Prof. Intan’s achievements have contributed to the realization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 Quality Education, followed by SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being. (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter)
