Ahmad Luthfi Urges Central Java PMI to Boost Disaster Response
“Central Java is a ‘minimarket’ of disasters, ranging from floods, tidal inundation, landslides and volcanic eruptions, among others. Therefore, the task of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) is to serve as the backbone for humanitarian activities and disaster management in our region,” he said in a written statement on Monday (3/8/2026).
Luthfi made the remarks while attending the inauguration of the PMI Central Java provincial board for the 2026-2031 term on Friday (31/7/2026).
At the event, PMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla installed Ahmad Luthfi as Patron of PMI Central Java, Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen as Chair of the Honorary Council, and House of Representatives member Haryanto as Chair of PMI Central Java, alongside other board members.
He said PMI’s role extends beyond blood donation services. The humanitarian organisation must also be present in various emergency situations, from setting up communal kitchens and providing first aid to assisting communities affected by disasters.
With the new board, he expressed hope that PMI Central Java would be able to strengthen its quick response capability in every disaster event.
In addition, he encouraged the emergence of creative breakthroughs in disaster management, from the pre-disaster stage through to the response and post-disaster phases.
According to him, PMI Central Java has so far demonstrated its role as one of the main forces in helping the government handle various humanitarian problems.
Meanwhile, PMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla emphasised that PMI’s primary task is to alleviate the suffering of communities, whether caused by natural disasters or man-made events. For this reason, all PMI elements must always be on standby and able to move swiftly.
According to Jusuf Kalla, preparedness is essential given that Indonesia is located in a disaster-prone region. Volunteers, as the spearhead of PMI, also need to be equipped with adequate training and supported by sufficient logistics and equipment.
He added that PMI’s humanitarian work depends heavily on the trust of communities, the government and the business world. That trust must be maintained by providing the best possible service to anyone in need.
Regarding the drought caused by El Nino, Jusuf Kalla said its impact not only threatens crop production but also makes it difficult for communities to obtain clean water. PMI has prepared around 200 water tanker trucks to assist affected regions across Indonesia.
PMI Central Java Chair Haryanto reported that humanitarian operations to address the drought have been carried out in 14 regencies and cities. A total of 2.2 million litres of clean water has been distributed through 433 deliveries using 18 tanker trucks.
The assistance has reached 88 villages across 48 districts, with beneficiaries totalling 109,317 people. However, distribution still faces obstacles as not all PMI regency and city branches have tanker trucks.
Following the inauguration, he said his team and the board would continue to work in synergy with regional governments in carrying out various humanitarian programmes, from disaster mitigation and social affairs to health, the development of young generations and volunteers, and meeting communities’ basic needs.
The inauguration was also attended by officials from the PMI National Board, PMI East Java Chair Imam Utomo, PMI Special Region of Yogyakarta Chair Gusti Prabu Kusumo, PMI West Java Chair Adang Rohjana, PMI DKI Jakarta Deputy Chair Eko Wicaksono, and representatives from PMI Banten.