Kalla Re-elected as Indonesian Red Cross Chief

Jakarta Globe, Novi Setuningsih, Dec 18, 2014

Vice President Jusuf Kalla says he will treat his job as job as chairman of the
Indonesian Red Cross as a "duty for humanity."(Antara Photo/Puspa Perwitasari)

Jakarta. Vice President Jusuf Kalla was re-elected as chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross on Thursday.

Kalla beat Titiek Soeharto — the daughter of former president Soeharto — by a margin of 77 votes at the organization’s national congress held at the Jakarta Convention Center.

Kalla said he would treat the the job as a “duty for humanity” and promised to improve the capacity of the Indonesian Red Cross, known in Indonesia as the PMI.

Our population is growing, so are our health problems,” he said. “We shall try to increase the blood donation. Disasters are also everywhere and come in various ways — that’s why we should be prepared all the time.”

The Red Cross is one of the world’ largest humanitarian and development networks, with a presence in 187 countries. It provides development assistance and support during disaster recovery and response. In Indonesia the organization has provided help to communities hit by natural disasters, such as flooding, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis.

Addressing the congress Kalla said the Red Cross had started working closer with several hospitals across the country. And the PMI recently signed a deal to offer mutual protection and assistance to the National Police while working in conflict areas.