24 Years of Humanitarian Service: From Indonesia to the World
As a moral force for the nation, Indonesia’s largest Islamic community organisation, the Indonesian Red Crescent (BSMI), turned 24 on Monday. Since its establishment in 2002, BSMI has continuously dedicated itself to healthcare services, disaster management, and humanitarian missions, both domestically and internationally.
The General Chairman of the National Board of BSMI, Muhammad Djazli Ambari, stated that BSMI’s 24-year journey is tangible evidence of the commitment of volunteers, healthcare professionals, and all organisational elements to serving humanity regardless of ethnicity, religion, race, or group. “For 24 years, BSMI has endeavoured to be present among communities in need. From various disasters in Indonesia to international humanitarian crises, we continue to strive to carry out our humanitarian mandate professionally and sustainably,” said Djazli.
Currently, BSMI possesses a network spread across 24 provinces and 155 regencies/cities throughout Indonesia. This network serves as the primary strength in accelerating humanitarian response, healthcare services, and community empowerment across various regions. Domestically, BSMI is actively involved in various humanitarian operations regarding earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, droughts, and various public health crises.
Beyond the emergency response phase, BSMI also conducts rehabilitation and post-disaster recovery programmes, community health services, disaster education, and community empowerment. Internationally, BSMI has made significant humanitarian contributions in several countries affected by conflict or natural disasters.
These include humanitarian missions in Gaza, Palestine, including the Indonesian Emergency Medical Team (EMT) mission to Gaza, which was strengthened by 14 specialist doctors from various fields to provide medical services to victims of conflict and humanitarian crises. In addition to Palestine, BSMI is also active in sending aid and humanitarian teams to various international disasters, including the response to the major earthquake in Turkey, humanitarian aid for flood victims in Bangladesh, services for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Myanmar, aid for typhoon victims in the Philippines, aid for earthquake victims in Nepal, and humanitarian support for earthquake victims in Myanmar.
BSMI’s presence in various countries serves as a manifestation of Indonesian national solidarity towards the global community facing disasters and humanitarian crises. According to Djazli, long-standing experience in various national and international humanitarian missions is an important asset for BSMI to continue increasing organisational capacity in the future.
“Current humanitarian challenges are becoming increasingly complex. Climate change is increasing the frequency of disasters, while conflicts and health crises continue to occur in various parts of the world. Therefore, BSMI will continue to strengthen the capacity of volunteers, medical personnel, emergency response systems, and humanitarian networks to provide faster, more accurate, and professional services,” he said.
Entering its 24th year, BSMI invites all elements of the nation to continue strengthening the spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) and social care. According to Djorgli, humanitarian values must be maintained as the foundation for building a resilient and civilised society. “This 24th anniversary is a momentum to reaffirm our commitment. BSMI will continue to be present to serve humanity, strengthening hope for those affected by disasters and crises, and bringing the spirit of Indonesian humanity to the world,” he concluded.