The world of Tzu Chi September 2023 (Vol.147)

2023 • 09 30 Report and photo by Metta Wulandari Translated by Wu Hsiao-ting Tzu Chi Indonesia Free Clinic Restores Sight Maswah refused cataract surgery, not wanting to burden her children with medical expenses. But then she regained her vision thanks to Tzu Chi’s free clinic and was able to witness her granddaughter’s wedding. “T hank you, Allah. Thank you, Tzu Chi volunteers. I can see clearly now,” said Maswah, 65, as she tightly embraced Eva Wiyogo, a Tzu Chi volunteer living in Jakarta, Indonesia. A post-operative examination confirmed that Maswah was recovering well from her cataract surgery. She was deeply moved, and tears welled up in her eyes. Wiyogo understood her emotions but said immediately, “Please don’t cry. It is best to keep water away from your eyes for now.” “I am overjoyed!” Maswah replied, “I can see how everyone looks so beautiful, handsome, and courteous.” Maswah hails from Indramayu Regency, West Java, but made a special trip to Jakarta, staying for three weeks, to participate in a Tzu Chi free clinic. Afflicted with cataracts in both eyes, her vision was reduced to discerning only light and darkness. She could no longer see objects, causing great worry for her children. She worked as a labourer in Saudi Arabia during her younger years to help provide for her family and renovate their house. But now, her husband has passed away and her children live in different locations, leading independent lives. She lives next to her son, who had suffered a stroke. Her daughter-in- law and grandchildren help care for her. Despite her vision problem, Maswah tried to be as independent as possible. Aware of her advancing age and limited time, she declined her family’s offer to pay for her surgery and bravely accepted the pain of losing her vision. Her granddaughter Imroatun Khasanah, who was about to walk down the aisle, pleaded earnestly, “Don’t you want to see me get married? By participating in the Tzu Chi free clinic, you can see my wedding.” When Maswah learned that the surgery would be provided free of charge and would not impose any financial strain on her children and grandchildren, she finally nodded in agreement. Imroatun, an elementary school teacher, shared her concerns and profound emotions as she witnessed her grandmother undergo surgery. She expressed gratitude to the medical workers and support volunteers for bringing blessings to the patients and transforming their lives. “I wish all of you good fortune, longevity, and smooth journeys in all aspects of life.” Free clinic transforming life On May 27 and 28, 2023, Tzu Chi Indonesia held its first free clinic at Tzu Chi Hospital Indonesia, which opened in 2021 in Jakarta. This event marked the 138th large- scale free clinic organised by the Tzu Chi chapter. Eighty-three medical professionals and 124 support volunteers aided 95 patients undergoing cataract or hernia surgeries. lobal Presence