PORTALJABAR, GARUT REGENCY - Garut Regent Abdusy Syakur Amin officially launched the 2026 Humanitarian Fund Month of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Garut Regency. The activity took place in a series of joint roll calls on Jalan Pembangunan, Tarogong Kidul District, Garut Regency, Monday (5/10/2026).

The start of the 2026 PMI Fundraising Month at the Garut Regency level was symbolically marked by the payment of donations using QRIS by the Regent of Garut.

The Regent of Garut stated that the PMI Fundraising Month is important to support PMI in responding to various humanitarian disasters in Garut Regency, from blood services to emergency response to natural disasters.

"Of course, I really appreciate this effort because it will also help the Garut Regency Government, especially in responding to disasters," he said.

Syakur also invited all elements of society to participate, especially students, so that social awareness can be fostered from an early age through education about the role of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). Furthermore, measured contributions are being made to civil servants (PNS) and officials within the Garut Regency Government to support the achievement of humanitarian targets without burdening them.

"And we've also set a value for civil servants, and I'm sure it won't be burdensome. We're also asking officials to contribute to achieve the target, making it easier for the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and all of us when people need help in times of disaster," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Garut Regency PMI, Dr. Helmi Budiman, expressed his gratitude to the Regent, Regional Secretary, and all levels of the Garut Regency Government for the support provided through the PMI Fundraising Month program.

Dr. Helmi explained that the collected funds will be allocated transparently to various PMI priority programs, including the development of the Youth Red Cross (PMR) from the Mula, Madya, to Wira levels to instill humanitarian character from an early age.

"This is part of the development efforts carried out by the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) using the PMI Fundraising Month. In addition to what the Regent mentioned earlier, regarding disaster relief, both in the form of goods and people, both in Garut Regency and in West Java, during the disaster in Cianjur, we sent several people and they stayed in Cianjur for quite a long time. Then in Aceh, we also sent vehicles and people," said Dr. Helmi.

Regarding emergency response in Garut Regency, Dr. Helmi emphasized that the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) consistently coordinates with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) as its primary partner in the field, particularly in addressing drought and landslides.

"The same applies to forest fires, as mentioned by the Regent earlier, regarding landslides and other disasters, the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) certainly wants to work together with the Regional Government and other volunteers to address the disaster that has befallen the people of Garut Regency," he continued.

Regarding blood stock availability in Garut Regency, Dr. Helmi confirmed that blood supply is generally 98 percent sufficient to meet standard needs. However, he explained that supplies for certain blood types can fluctuate, and some blood types must be processed in Bandung.

"Thank God, the pumpkin stock is always available. We are 98% prepared. However, if there are any that are not available, there are some types of blood that must be processed in Bandung, but cannot be processed in Garut, because there are only a few," he concluded.

(Garut Regency Communications and Information Service/bhf)