Indonesian authorities are struggling to crack down on a dangerous trend among people too poor to afford medical treatment: lying on railways tracks in the belief that the electric current cures illness.
Dozens turn up in Rawa Buaya every day, enticed by a rumour about a man paralysed by a stroke who went to the tracks to kill himself, but found he was cured. Authorities have threatened penalties of up to three months in prison or heavy fines – to no avail.
"I want to be cured, so I have to come back," said stroke victim Hadi Winoto, 50.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies