PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - The Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD) of Garut Regency held a humanitarian action of blood donation and free health checks at the Garut Regency DPRD Building, Jalan Patriot, Tarogong Kidul District, Saturday (6/6/2026).

Carrying the theme "Let's Care for Thalassemia Sufferers", this social activity was held to commemorate Bung Karno's Birthday and Bung Karno Month in 2026.

This humanitarian action was initiated by a member of the Garut Regency DPRD, Yudha Puja Turnawan, who collaborated with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) of Garut Regency and the Health Service represented by the Kersamenak Community Health Center.

Yudha explained that this momentum coincided with the 125th anniversary of the birth of the Proclaimer, Bung Karno, who was born on June 6, 1901. This activity was part of a series of reflections on the birth of Pancasila, which was first proposed by Bung Karno at the BPUPKI Session on June 1, 1945.

"There's a context of just and civilized humanity, and mutual cooperation. And today's blood donation is a way of grounding the values of Pancasila because it's a form of solidarity with others, especially those with thalassemia and Garut residents who have undergone surgery that requires blood donations," he said.

He emphasized that this solidarity is crucial for helping others, especially those with thalassemia in Garut Regency and post-surgery patients in dire need of blood transfusions. This initiative hopes to ensure the continued availability of blood vessels at the Garut Red Cross (PMI) in the country.

During the event, the committee deliberately provided a variety of attractive door prizes to attract public interest. Yudha emphasized that he didn't set a specific target number, but rather hoped that as many people as possible would participate.

Specifically, he also targets first-time donors from the younger generation or Gen Z to start developing this positive habit, considering that the majority of active donors currently are dominated by older people.

"We need to ensure the availability of blood at the Garut Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), which is why we're holding a blood drive today with door prizes. This is part of our shared responsibility to strengthen solidarity for others. This is one way to do that," he said.

Through this social movement, it is hoped that public awareness of the importance of blood donation will continue to increase. Besides the benefits of maintaining the donor's own health, every drop of blood donated is a tangible expression of caring that can save the lives of others.

"I can't say what the target is, but I want as many as possible. That's why I'm offering door prizes to encourage as many residents as possible to donate blood, especially first-time donors. We need more blood donors, especially from Gen Z," he concluded. (Garut Communications and Information Service/rka)