THE pulse of Malaysian music organizes the movements of 100 housewives and senior citizens in the parking lot of the Soemarno Soeratmodjo Hospital, Kuala Kapuas, Central Kalimantan, into a steady rhythm.

Participants in the aerobics session are guided by Ngatai, a retired serviceman, whose directions are gentle and relaxed. "These movements are especially meant for people with diabetes," Ngatai, 60, explained. He has been a member of the Kapuas ch