PMI receives Rp2.4 billion from Panasonic Gobel for Sumatera rehabilitation

Jakarta — The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has received disaster relief donations from Panasonic Gobel Group valued at Rp2.4 billion, comprising radios, torches, and batteries, to support rehabilitation efforts in Sumatera.

PMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla stated in Jakarta on Thursday that disaster response operations in Sumatera have now entered the rehabilitation phase, with the primary focus on restoring basic necessities for communities, including house repairs and clean water provision.

According to Jusuf Kalla, one of the key initiatives being undertaken by PMI is the restoration of water distribution systems damaged by the disaster.

“We are now in the rehabilitation stage. Various measures are being implemented to enable communities to restore their homes and normal lives. PMI is currently focusing on repairing clean water systems as many pipes have been damaged,” said Jusuf Kalla.

Based on PMI’s experience managing previous disasters in areas such as Yogyakarta and Malang, Kalla noted that repairs to pipe networks and restoration to normal functioning can take up to one year.

“Typically, it takes around one year to ensure that the entire pipe and water distribution system returns to normal operation and communities regain access to clean water,” he stated.

In addition to the Panasonic Gobel Group donation, Jusuf Kalla reported that the company will also organise blood donation drives involving all company employees to help meet PMI’s blood supply requirements across Indonesia.

Beyond the Panasonic Gobel Group donation, PMI has also received contributions from Tokio Marine Group valued at USD50,000 and from the Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Indonesia valued at USD100,000.

These contributions are expected to accelerate post-disaster rehabilitation efforts in Sumatera, particularly in restoring clean water access for affected communities.