DPD Marks 22nd Anniversary with Push for Simultaneous Blood Drives in 38 Provinces

To mark its 22nd anniversary, the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) is holding a blood donation drive at its headquarters in Senayan, Jakarta, today, as an expression of concern and service to the public. The event, themed “A Drop of Blood, a Million Hopes: DPD RI Cares for Others”, is being held in partnership with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI).

DPD RI chair Sultan B Najamuddin said donating blood was a simple act of empathy that could make a difference to another person’s life. He thanked the DPD RI secretary-general and staff, as well as the PMI, for supporting the event.

“On behalf of the DPD RI leadership and institution, we extend our appreciation to the DPD RI secretary-general and staff, and to the PMI. When we give a drop of blood, we are truly giving something precious to someone else,” Sultan said in a statement on Thursday (8 October 2026).

Sultan said the DPD RI’s 22nd anniversary should prompt reflection on how far the institution’s presence benefits communities and regions. The DPD RI contributes not only through its legislative, oversight and advisory functions, but also through practical action that has an impact on the public.

“We should mark 22 years of the DPD RI by considering how far this institution is felt in the regions. We are present not only through our institutional work, but also through social activities that make a tangible difference to the public,” he said.

Sultan said blood donation should be developed into a tradition and a regular DPD RI event. The campaign will be rolled out in stages at the DPD RI’s 38 offices in provincial capitals.

He said he hoped the DPD RI’s regional offices would be more than liaison offices and would also serve as coordination hubs connecting local governments, businesses and communities.

“Last year, we said that blood donation should not stop, but should grow into a tradition. The DPD RI must lead the way by making blood donation a regular event, carried out consistently and with commitment year after year,” he said.

He said the partnership with the PMI showed that state institutions did not have to work alone to benefit the public. Sultan also thanked donors for taking the time to give blood for people they might never know.

“We believe this simple activity can build a culture of care, mutual assistance and cooperation for humanity. The greater a state institution becomes, the more it can give to the country. May the drop of blood given today offer someone else the chance to live,” he said.

DPD RI deputy secretary-general for administration Lalu Niqman Zahir said the blood drive was intended to encourage social concern and humanitarian spirit, help the PMI maintain blood supplies for the public, and strengthen mutual assistance within the DPD RI.

A total of 200 people had registered as prospective donors, including DPD RI leaders and members, officials, employees and support staff.

“The committee is working with the PMI and following the applicable health procedures. So far, 200 people have registered as prospective donors,” he said.

Lalu said the process involved registration, verification, health checks, blood donation, observation and rest, followed by refreshments and the distribution of vouchers. PMI medical staff would determine whether each participant was eligible to donate.

He also thanked the DPD RI leadership, the PMI, the Sabang Merauke Cooperative and everyone else who had supported the event.

“Thank you to all the donors who have taken the time to give blood for others. This is not merely a social activity, but a practical expression of a spirit of care that will continue to grow within the DPD RI family. Let us make the DPD RI anniversary an occasion to serve and share,” he said.

PMI deputy chair Nanan Soekarna also praised the DPD RI’s support for the blood drive. He said the campaign demonstrated genuine concern despite the busy schedules of the council’s leaders, members and staff.

“Every drop of blood donated is hope for someone to recover and continue their life. We would like to express our appreciation and thanks to the DPD RI staff for taking part in this humanitarian activity,” Nanan said.

He added that the PMI’s work extended beyond blood donation to disaster response and strengthening community resilience. Its work is guided by the organisation’s seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

“If everyone in Indonesia became a PMI volunteer, communities would be prepared to help tackle disasters even before the PMI arrived,” he said.