Communications Phenomenon of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing and Jakarta (Case Study: Tong Ren Tang and Tong Fang Clinic)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to capture the phenomenon of communications that happened in the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Indonesian people; encompassing interpersonal communication, group communication and mass communication. The research method used was Schutz’s phenomenology which is based on the search of the meaning of the behavior (action). Tracking data is conducted through direct and indirect observation at two Traditional Chinese Medicine clinics in Beijing and Jakarta. Informants consisted of the therapists (TCM physicians), patients and the government in the health field. In this study, the actions are the behavior of the actors constructed in TCM, which is measured through therapists and the actions of TCM patients in Beijing and Jakarta. The results shows that appropriate communication, supported by accurate evidence will facilitate and perpetuate the acceptance of TCM for Indonesians to go to Beijing or Jakarta. Bombardment of mass communication of TCM has increased the awareness for the presence of TCM in Jakarta, but also became a boomerang for TCM image overall.