Jusuf Kalla Reelected as PMI Chief

Jakarta (Antara) - Vice President Jusuf Kalla was reelected as general chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) after defeating Siti Hediyati, also known as Titiek Soeharto, in a vote here on Thursday. Jusuf Kalla secured 247 votes, while Titiek Soeharto won 170 votes out of the total 418 votes cast during the 20th congress of the PMI. After the election, Jusuf Kalla appealed for unity and urged the organization members to steer clear from engaging in politics as the organization members need to stand united in its mission to help others. "After the election of the PMI board for the next five years, I hope that there will be no more camps, and the focus would be on the organization's social mission," he emphasized. He reminded that the PMI has been formed to serve the nation and the people, and so, it must be managed together, with priority given to the humanitarian mission, especially during hardships. He claimed to have heard reports of stiff competition, although it still remained democratic and prioritized the values of unity. "Frankly, I did not follow the election process, but it was brought to my notice that it had been done through a vote. Indeed, the previous election was done by acclamation," he remarked. (*)