Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri officially premiered its documentary film “Awake Brain Surgery: Where Miracles Begin” at Cinema XXI, Lippo Mall Puri on Saturday (July 26). The film highlights the extraordinary awake brain surgery performed by Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAAN—widely known as Dr. Joy—an esteemed neurosurgeon from Indonesia.
This documentary, produced by Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, serves as compelling evidence that Indonesian doctors can achieve remarkable accomplishments and inspire at the global level. It tells the story of Dr. Joy’s academic journey at the University of Helsinki in Finland, where he earned his PhD in just 18 months and 12 days—an achievement recognized by the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI).
Under the mentorship of world-renowned neurosurgery maestro Prof. Juha Hernesniemi, Dr. Joy embraced the philosophy that every millimeter of brain tissue represents a life to be respected.
Directed by Tubagus Randi Purwa with a deep and touching cinematic approach, the documentary offers viewers an eye-opening experience into the complexity and beauty of the neurosurgical profession. It embraces the philosophy that “neurosurgery is an art that does not tolerate mistakes” and portrays how every decision made in the operating room can determine a patient’s life.
The documentary presents two real-life medical miracles performed by Dr. Joy. The first case features Ryu, a 6-year-old boy diagnosed with a 5x5x5 cm brain tumor in the posterior fossa region. Using advanced microsurgical techniques, Dr. Joy successfully removed the tumor in a 2-hour operation. Miraculously, Ryu was able to stand and eat normally just a few hours after surgery.
The second case tells the story of Mr. Robby, a patient suffering from chronic epilepsy caused by a tumor in the frontal lobe. Dr. Joy used the awake brain surgery technique, a procedure that allows the patient to remain conscious during surgery to preserve vital brain functions. As a result, Mr. Robby regained his ability to speak and move normally after years of struggling with his condition.
“Through this documentary, we hope the public realizes that Indonesian medical technology and expertise have significantly advanced—even in treating the most complex brain conditions. This will boost public confidence in local doctors and healthcare services,” said Erwin Suyanto, Public Relations of Mandaya Hospital Group.
Featuring testimonials from patients, families, and colleagues, the documentary also reveals the human side of the medical world, often seen as rigid and intimidating. Dr. Joy is portrayed not only as a skilled surgeon but also as a source of hope and reassurance amidst uncertainty.
In addition to his numerous achievements both locally and internationally, Dr. Joy continues to contribute to the field of neurosurgery in Indonesia. He is an active lecturer and the author of two editions of books on brain aneurysms, which have become valuable resources for patients, medical students, and healthcare professionals.
When a World-Class Doctor Meets World-Class Medical Technology
“Awake Brain Surgery: Where Miracles Begin” also showcases the advanced medical technology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, where Dr. Joy practices.
The hospital is equipped with world-class technologies such as the Digital PET CT Scan, ELEKTA VERSA HD Radiotherapy, Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM), IQon Spectral CT Scan, and Ingenia Ambition 1.0 MRI. These tools empower Dr. Joy in the operating room and increase the success rate of brain tumor surgeries.
Among them, IONM plays a critical role. This sophisticated device monitors the nervous system in real time during brain tumor removal surgery, helping the surgical team avoid nerve damage during the procedure.
Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri also boasts a multidisciplinary medical team that collaborates with Dr. Joy in performing complex brain tumor surgeries. This includes neurologists like Dr. Luh Ari Indrawati, Sp.N, Subsp. E.N.K.(K), and anesthesiologists such as Dr. Primartanto Wibowo, Sp.An-KIC.
With the synergy of advanced medical technology and a team of highly specialized doctors, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides comprehensive care for brain tumor patients—ensuring optimal recovery outcomes.
“We hope this documentary opens the public’s eyes to the fact that Indonesia’s medical technology and professionals are highly capable and globally competitive. People no longer need to travel abroad to receive world-class care,” Erwin concluded.
