Respect for blood donors

Respect for blood donors

From Media Indonesia

As a regular blood donor since 1978, I felt something was missing and in a bland ceremony held last September to mark the anniversary of the Indonesian Red Cross. On that occasion there was no special acknowledgment from the government of a blood donor who had already donated blood 75 times.

Hopefully this is no indication that Gus Dur (President Abdurrahman Wahid) is different from Soeharto in terms of sensitivity towards fighters for humanity. In our opinion, the tradition to accord appreciation to those who have sincerely devoted themselves to the well-being of their fellow human beings should not be terminated just because of differences in vision or purpose.

Voluntary blood donors who have donated their blood 75 times are common people or low-level employees in remote places across the country. They will feel honored to be able to enter the palace and meet as well as take a picture with the President and the Vice President. Doesn't this touch Gus Dur and Mbak Mega at all or move their hearts to grant the blood donors this modest token of appreciation?

In other Asian countries, Hong Kong and South Korea, for example, voluntary blood donors occupy a special place in the eyes of the community. We can only wait to see that a country led by a Muslim cleric and the "mother of common people" will prove to be able to respond to this simple aspiration.

H.A. KUMEIRZAL

Jakarta