MENYAMBANGI KULINER EKSTREM MENCOBA SATE, DARAH, DAN EMPEDU COBRA | #VERSPEKTIF

Summary

Ibu Lika, a 50-year-old woman, has been selling traditional medicine made from animals like cobras and lizards for over 20 years. She shares her experiences of healing people with her remedies, especially for skin conditions and stamina issues, despite debates around the religious and ethical aspects of using these animals. Ibu Lika discusses the challenges of running her business, especially during the pandemic, but remains grateful for her health, family, and the opportunity to continue. She hopes for better prospects in the future and emphasizes the importance of faith and resilience in her work.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker, Ibu Lika, has been involved in traditional medicine, specifically with cobra products, for over 20 years.
• 😀 Ibu Lika offers various products such as snake meat satay, snake blood, snake capsules, and creams made from snake ingredients.
• 😀 Many customers have shared positive feedback, claiming relief from ailments like high blood pressure and diabetes after using her products.
• 😀 Ibu Lika emphasizes that while some view the use of snake products as controversial or forbidden, others believe they are beneficial for healing.
• 😀 Ibu Lika sources her snakes from agents in cities like Semarang, Tegal, and Cirebon, ensuring that they are legal and not from protected species.
• 😀 She has personally faced risks, having been bitten by a cobra twice, with one incident being quite severe in 2009 and another in 2021.
• 😀 Some people seek specific treatments, such as bathing a snake before preparation, a request Ibu Lika found unique but not unheard of.
• 😀 The snake products are often used for skin conditions, blood circulation, and stamina, with customers praising their effects on health and energy levels.
• 😀 While some may find the idea of eating snake meat unappealing at first, many customers eventually find it similar to other meats like chicken or squid.
• 😀 Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic causing a decline in business, Ibu Lika remains optimistic and grateful for her health and the support of her family.

Q & A

What types of traditional medicines does Ibu Lika offer in her business?

Ibu Lika offers a variety of traditional snake-based medicines, including snake satay, snake capsules, snake oil, and creams made from snake-derived ingredients. She also sells monitor lizard-based products such as satay and supplements.

How does Ibu Lika source the animals used in her products?

Ibu Lika sources the animals from suppliers in various Indonesian cities, including Semarang, Tegal, and Cirebon. She works with local agents who catch the animals in the wild and then deliver them to her.

What are some of the reported health benefits of Ibu Lika’s products?

The health benefits reported by her customers include improvements in skin conditions, diabetes, fatigue, and overall stamina. Many customers claim they have experienced better health after using the products.

What is Ibu Lika’s perspective on the religious acceptability of using animals for medicinal purposes?

Ibu Lika believes that the use of animals in traditional medicine is acceptable, particularly for healing purposes. While some consider it haram (forbidden) or makruh (discouraged), she views it as permissible if the intention is for health and healing, depending on individual perspective.

How does Ibu Lika handle the risks associated with working with venomous snakes?

Ibu Lika acknowledges the risks, recalling past incidents where she was bitten by snakes, leading to hospitalizations. She takes precautions when handling the animals, although accidents can still happen. For example, she was bitten by a snake in 2009 and 2021.

What does Ibu Lika say about the taste and texture of the snake meat used in her products?

Ibu Lika describes the taste and texture of snake meat as similar to chicken or squid, depending on the individual’s perception. Some people find it chewy and firm, while others describe it as resembling the texture of squid.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Ibu Lika's business?

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Ibu Lika’s business, causing a sharp decrease in customer traffic. She mentions that her sales were lower during the pandemic, but she remains grateful for her health and the ability to continue her work.

What does Ibu Lika believe is the most rewarding part of her business?

Ibu Lika finds the most reward in hearing from customers who report health improvements after using her products. The positive feedback, including stories of people recovering from various health conditions, brings her a sense of fulfillment.

How does Ibu Lika ensure the legality of her business practices?

Ibu Lika ensures the legality of her business by sourcing animals that are not endangered. She states that cobras and monitor lizards, which she uses, are not protected species, and therefore, their use in her products is legal.

What is Ibu Lika’s attitude toward the challenges and changes in her life and business?

Ibu Lika expresses a sense of gratitude and acceptance toward the challenges and changes in her life and business. Despite difficult times like the pandemic, she remains thankful for her health, the success of her children, and the ability to continue working.