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