Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri has officially released a powerful medical documentary titled “Awake Brain Surgery: Where Miracles Begin.” The film had its first public screening at Cinema XXI Lippo Mall Puri on Saturday (July 26).
As the title suggests, the 33-minute film showcases the medical marvels that occur during awake brain surgery—a highly specialized procedure performed while the patient is fully conscious. At the heart of this documentary is Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAAN—better known as Dr. Joy—one of Indonesia’s most prominent neurosurgeons.
Awake brain surgery is performed when a patient is awake and responsive, typically to remove brain tumors or treat epilepsy located near areas of the brain responsible for critical functions such as speech, movement, or vision. Throughout the operation, patients may be asked to speak or perform tasks to help the surgical team monitor brain activity in real-time and prevent damage to vital areas.
Dr. Joy is among the few neurosurgeons in Indonesia highly experienced in awake brain surgery. In “Awake Brain Surgery: Where Miracles Begin,” viewers are given a firsthand look at how he treats a patient named Mr. Robby, who had suffered from chronic epilepsy for 16 years. Through awake brain surgery, Dr. Joy and his team kept Mr. Robby conscious and interactive throughout the procedure to ensure essential brain functions were preserved. The result was outstanding—he regained both speech and motor function.
The documentary also highlights the case of Ryu, a 6-year-old boy with a large 5x5x5 cm brain tumor occupying most of his posterior fossa. Dr. Joy performed a successful microsurgical removal of the tumor. Just hours after surgery, Ryu could stand and eat on his own—an incredible recovery.
As the film progresses, the emotional depth intensifies through heartfelt testimonials from patients, families, and Dr. Joy’s colleagues. Beyond its medical focus, the documentary captures the deeply human side of neurosurgery. Dr. Joy is portrayed not only as a skilled physician but also as a compassionate figure who brings hope and comfort during life’s most critical moments.
In addition to its clinical focus, the film also chronicles Dr. Joy’s academic journey, where he earned his doctoral degree in medicine in just 18 months and 12 days at the University of Helsinki, Finland. This extraordinary achievement earned him a record from the Indonesian World Records Museum (MURI). Amidst freezing winters and solitude, Dr. Joy trained directly under Prof. Juha Hernesniemi—a world-renowned neurosurgeon who instilled the philosophy that “every millimeter of brain tissue is a life to be preserved.”
“Through this documentary, we hope the public realizes that local medical expertise and technology have advanced significantly—even in treating highly complex brain conditions—so public trust in Indonesian healthcare continues to grow,” said Erwin Suyanto, Public Relations of Mandaya Hospital Group.
Comprehensive Brain & Neurosurgery Center at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
The documentary “Awake Brain Surgery: Where Miracles Begin” also presents the state-of-the-art technologies and facilities at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri that support complex brain tumor surgeries.
One of the key technologies featured is Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)—a cutting-edge device used during surgery to monitor nervous system function in real-time, helping prevent nerve damage during brain tumor removal procedures.
Beyond IONM, the hospital is equipped with an array of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including:
- Digital PET CT Scan
- IQon Spectral CT Scan
- LINAC ELEKTA VERSA HD Radiotherapy
- Ingenia Ambition 10 MRI
These technologies are instrumental in supporting a multidisciplinary medical team comprising neurosurgeons, neurologists, and anesthesiologists. The documentary features collaborations with experts such as Dr. Luh Ari Indrawati, Sp.N, Subsp. E.N.K.(K), a neuromuscular neurologist, and Dr. Primartanto Wibowo, Sp.An-KIC, an intensive care anesthesiologist.
This team-based approach ensures every surgical procedure is performed with the highest level of precision, safety, and patient-centered care.
“The launch of this film reflects our commitment to educating the public about the importance of advanced technology, medical teamwork, and the human values that drive every clinical decision,” Erwin added.
“Awake Brain Surgery: Where Miracles Begin” is more than just a medical documentary—it is a moving story of courage, innovation, and the dedication of Indonesian medical professionals. The film reinforces the message that world-class healthcare is already available at home, making it unnecessary for patients to seek treatment abroad.
