Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), Jusuf Kalla, is targeting the collection of 5 million blood bags by 2025 while celebrating PMI's 80th anniversary.

“Since we are mandated by the state to collect at least 5 million bags of blood every year, this is a major effort that involves the community and is intended to help those in need,” said Jusuf Kalla at the 80th PMI anniversary ceremony in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The former 10th and 12th vice president highlighted the history of PMI, which was founded one month after Indonesia's independence, on September 17, 1945.

He said that during the independence struggle, neutrality was deemed essential for addressing humanitarian issues; hence, the PMI was established.

Kalla also underscored the importance of blood donation activities for public health and community needs.

“Therefore, blood donations are open 24 hours a day, all year round, and Red Cross officers work continuously to meet the needs of the sick, the injured, and others. They are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Jakarta PMI Management, Beky Mardani, expressed appreciation for the dedication of PMI employees and the support of the community.

“This appreciation is our gratitude to the employees who have dedicated their lives to humanity. We celebrate PMI's 80th anniversary through collaboration, because goodness can only be expanded through shared efforts,” said Mardani.

The Indonesian Red Cross commemorated its 80th anniversary by inviting the public to join the #TebarkanKebaikan (Spread Kindness) campaign.

The national celebration took place at the Brigif Reservoir, Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, on Wednesday.

The event featured various community activities, including free health checks for 500 people to determine blood type, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.​​​​​​​

PMI also provided education on clean and healthy living practices to 250 students at Public Elementary School Ciganjur 02 Pagi.

In addition, PMI conducted outreach on first aid and environmental hygiene for residents around the school, planted 800 productive fruit tree seedlings, and released 500 freshwater fish into the reservoir area.



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