Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Chairman Jusuf Kalla urged the public not to hesitate to donate blood, saying that doing so benefits not only the recipients but also the health of donors.
“Within two weeks, the donated blood will be replenished. Donating blood is far more beneficial than cupping therapy, which simply removes blood,” Kalla said at an awards ceremony for 50- and 75-time voluntary blood donors held by PMI Jakarta on Wednesday.
Kalla emphasized that PMI’s primary mission is humanitarian, particularly in ensuring sufficient blood supplies for the public. He stressed that blood is a God-given component of the human body that cannot be replaced by technology.
“No expert anywhere can create artificial blood. This is why anyone who lacks blood can only be helped by fellow human beings,” he said.
He expressed appreciation for voluntary blood donors, especially those who have reached 75 donations, noting that they have contributed to saving at least 75 lives. He described such donors as humanitarian heroes.
Under PMI’s system, donors who reach 50 donations receive recognition from district heads or mayors, those who reach 75 donations are honored by governors, and those who reach 100 donations receive an award from the president.
Kalla said PMI is preparing a mechanism for 100-time donors to receive their awards directly from the President.
He also expressed gratitude to the Jakarta provincial government, calling it the region that provides the greatest support to PMI nationwide. He noted that the construction of PMI’s new headquarters and blood donation unit in Jakarta cost more than Rp200 billion, far exceeding contributions from other regions.
Kalla said Jakarta requires around 1,200 bags of blood per day, driven by its large population and its role as the country’s national medical referral center. Many patients from cities such as Medan, Makassar, and Bandung are referred to hospitals in Jakarta.
Beyond blood services, Kalla highlighted PMI’s role in disaster response. He said the current months mark a high-risk period for disasters in Indonesia, including major fires in Jakarta and floods in Sumatra.
He said PMI has sent blood supplies from Jakarta, Tangerang, and Solo to meet demand in North Sumatra. He underscored PMI’s principle of humanitarian solidarity without geographical boundaries.
“Disasters in Aceh are not only Aceh’s responsibility. They are our shared responsibility,” Kalla said.
