Red Cross earns Rp 10b in annual donations

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Red Cross's (PMI) Jakarta office made Rp 10.9 billion in donations between Sept. 17, 2008, and Jan. 17, 2009, topping its Rp 10 billion target.

The donations came from the sales of more than 100 million PMI coupons since September.

The coupons, worth Rp 1,000 and Rp 500, were distributed at public places such as cinemas and other entertainment spots.

PMI Jakarta head Rini Sutiyoso said annual donations had risen 18.75 percent from last year's figure of Rp 9 billion. She added 82 percent came from middle- and lower-income residents.

Deputy Governor Prijanto suggested the PMI also tap higher-income residents for more donations.

"It would be great if the PMI also distributed coupons in office buildings and government offices. It should also be more transparent in publishing information about the use of the funds," he said.

Rini said the PMI would use the funds for its activities in Jakarta, including disaster relief and blood banks. -JP