Honey Bees as an Alternative Medication: Jakarta, West Java

Practiced for the first time in China and later in Egypt centuries ago, bee acupuncture today exists in cities across Indonesia. Bee acupuncture, or the use of bee stings in medication, has developed rapidly and is already a popular alternative healing method.

The Bee Center in Cibubur, East Jakarta, is one of the places that provides this alternative healing, known as apitherapy. Not only does the center breed bees for honey and pollen; it also offers medication using bee stings.

Muntowib, who hails from Kediri, East Java, practices bee acupuncture.

People who visit him with a range of different complaints like rheumatism, back pain, headache and sexual dysfunction will usually return home feeling better.

Photo and Text — P.J. Leo