Blog

Happy Indonesian Red Cross Day!

During the flag ceremony at school, have you ever thought about extracurriculars that are always ready to help when a participant faints? Maybe some of you have also participated in this extracurricular, especially those who are interested in the world of health or aspire to become a doctor. Yes, this extracurricular is called the Youth Red Cross (PMR). PMR is under the auspices of PMI (Indonesian Red Cross).

Of course you already understand that one of the striking differences is the age of PMR members who are teenagers, while PMI consists of adults. However, do you know how PMI was founded? In this blog post, we will discuss the struggle for the establishment of the Indonesian Red Cross which is commemorated today on September 17, 2022.

The struggle to establish this organization began in 1932 which was spearheaded by Dr. R. C. L. Senduk and Dr. Bahder both planned the formation of PMI and were brought to the NERKAI Conference Session in 1940. But the plan was rejected by the Dutch government so the plan was kept until the right time. But the struggle did not stop there, the two pioneers returned when the Japanese government occupied Indonesia but were again rejected by the Japanese government.

After Indonesia was declared independent, the plan for the formation of PMI was re-appointed and the formation process took place from 3-17 September. So that on September 17, 1945, Indonesia officially had a humanitarian agency (Owned by Indonesia) which was first led by Drs. Mohammad Hatta. And until now PMI is still standing with all its assistance to the people of Indonesia.

On September 17, 1945, an organization engaged in the humanitarian field was born, the Indonesian Red Cross. Yes, coinciding with today which is the 77th anniversary of being established in Indonesia, before that, let’s say congratulations first, “Happy 77th Indonesian Red Cross Day. Talking about the Indonesian Red Cross, there is a lot of interesting history to be discussed, because from planning to inauguration it requires extraordinary struggle.

There are many traces of PMI at the time of disasters, riots, or events that resulted in the safety of the Indonesian people being in danger. As in the post-independence incident against the Dutch and assisted by the allies, and the return of allied and Japanese prisoners of war that made PMI gain recognition in the international arena, namely the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross on June 15, 1950 and PMI was made a member of the International Red Cross). Not only that, PMI also helps victims of natural disasters, be it earthquakes, floods, tsunamis that hit several parts of Indonesia.

When COVID-19 was declared to have entered Indonesia, of course PMI could not remain silent but took part in handling COVID-19. PMI is working very hard to educate the public to maintain health protocols and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to oneself. Apart from helping the community, PMI also helps the government to reduce the number of COVID-19 patients. The following are some of the efforts made by PMI to assist the government:

1. Modifying ambulances to evacuate COVID-19 victims in accordance with the provisions of the Indonesian Ministry of Health,
2. Construction of public kitchens to provide free food to workers who work outside the home,
3. Provision of food and medical equipment to the community,
4. Spraying disinfectant in public places to sterilize the place,
5. On World Blood Donor Day, PMI held a movement of 1000 blood bags for the city of Bekasi,
6. Educate the public on how to prevent and treat,
7. Attempt to heal by opening a blood plasma donor, and
8. Implementation of vaccination in several regions of Indonesia

There are four main tasks of PMI, namely as follows:

1. Aid preparedness and disaster management,
2. First aid training for volunteers,
3. Public health and welfare services, 
4. Blood transfusion service

The above services are based on 7 principles, namely humanity, volunteerism, neutrality, equality, independence, unity and finally universality. Basically, PMI’s role is to assist the government in the social and humanitarian fields.

Written by: Ni Wayan Kariasih

Picture: Lini Sehat, Dialeksis, Liputan 6