Sultan: DPD Offices Should Be More Than Mere Liaison Offices
Jakarta (ANTARA) - DPD RI Chair Sultan B. Najamudin has called for the body’s role in the regions to be strengthened so that communities can feel its benefits more clearly.
Sultan made the remarks during events marking the DPD RI’s 22nd anniversary, including a blood donation drive held in cooperation with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta on Thursday.
He said the DPD RI should not only be present through its legislative, oversight and advisory functions, but also through practical action that has an impact on the public.
“The greater a state institution is, the more it can give to the homeland,” Sultan said.
He said blood donation was a simple expression of empathy that could make a significant difference to another person’s life.
Sultan praised the DPD RI Secretariat-General and its staff, as well as the PMI, for supporting the event.
He said blood donation should be developed into a tradition and a regular DPD RI programme. The activity is planned to be held in stages at the DPD RI’s 38 offices in provincial capitals.
He hoped the DPD RI’s regional offices would be more than liaison offices, becoming hubs for coordination with regional governments, businesses and communities.
“We believe this simple activity can build a culture of care, mutual cooperation and working together for humanity,” he said.
Meanwhile, DPD RI Secretariat-General Deputy for Administration Lalu Niqman Zahir said the blood donation drive aimed to promote social concern and humanitarian spirit, while helping the PMI meet the public’s demand for blood.
The activity was also expected to strengthen the spirit of mutual cooperation 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 organising committee is working with the PMI and following the applicable health procedures. To date, 200 people have registered as prospective donors,” Niqman said.