PMI: Humanitarian Aid from South Korea Accelerates National Disaster Response

The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has stated that humanitarian logistical assistance from the Community Chest of Korea and Samsung, channelled through the Korean Red Cross, strengthens disaster preparedness across various regions in Indonesia.

PMI Secretary General A.M. Fachir said in Jakarta on Wednesday that the aid, received in stages during June and July, consists of 3,800 tarpaulins, 3,800 mattresses, 3,800 hygiene kits, and 3,800 blankets. All of the aid will be used as replenishment for PMI’s warehouse stocks.

“The items have been distributed to the PMI Logistics Warehouse in Jakarta, the PMI Regional Warehouses in Serang, Gresik, Padang, and Semarang, as well as the PMI Sub-Regional Warehouses in Batam, Gorontalo, Manado, West Nusa Tenggara, and East Nusa Tenggara,” he said.

With stocks available in various regions, PMI can provide a faster response when disasters or emergencies occur. “Replenishing warehouse stocks is a crucial part of ensuring humanitarian aid is always ready to be distributed whenever needed,” he said.

Yoonjung Chang, Head of the International Cooperation team at the Korean Red Cross, stated that the partnership with PMI aims to strengthen disaster preparedness in Indonesia. “Through the support of Samsung and Community Chest of Korea, we hope this assistance can strengthen PMI’s preparedness capacity to serve communities affected by disasters,” said Yoonjung.

She expressed optimism that good preparedness will enable a faster response, allowing aid to reach people when they need it most. She noted that part of the aid has already been used to support PMI’s response to fires triggered by drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon in Sukabumi Regency. This initial use demonstrates the importance of adequate logistical stocks so that PMI can immediately provide assistance to the community during emergencies.

“This replenishment cooperation will continue until 2027,” she said.