More than 80 blood bags collected as ASEAN diplomats, students and humanitarian partners join hands in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Islamabad, in collaboration with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), organized its annual Blood Donation Drive on Tuesday as part of activities marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day and the Embassy’s current chairmanship of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad (ACI).
Held under the theme “Share Blood, Share Hope: ASEAN-Pakistan Zindabad!”, the event brought together diplomats from ASEAN member states, members of the Indonesian diaspora, Pakistani partners, and a large number of Indonesian and Pakistani students, highlighting growing youth participation in humanitarian initiatives.
Among the distinguished guests were Thai Ambassador Rongvudi Virabutr and Brunei High Commissioner Pengiran Haji Kamal Bashah bin Pengiran Haji Ahmad. The event was inaugurated by Indonesian Ambassador Chandra W. Sukotjo, accompanied by his spouse, Tamara Sukotjo.
Representing the PRCS, Dr. Dania Hassan emphasized the importance of continuing the annual blood donation campaign alongside emergency response training. She noted that the initiative builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on humanitarian cooperation signed between the Indonesian Embassy and PRCS last year.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Chandra urged participants to commemorate important occasions through meaningful action.
“Voluntary blood donation is a simple yet profound act of kindness. It gives others a second chance at life,” he said.
Drawing on his previous experience serving in international peacekeeping missions, the Ambassador stressed the life-saving importance of blood donation.
“Every few seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion. Without enough safe blood, many lives are lost,” he added.
This year’s drive stood out for its increased involvement of young people, with dozens of Indonesian and Pakistani students volunteering to donate blood in support of a more compassionate and caring society.
“I feel more connected with my Indonesian colleagues, as I regularly participate in discussions at the Indonesian Corner at the National Library of Pakistan,” said Shakir Malik, a Pakistani Political Science student at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI).
Irham Amin, an Indonesian student at IIUI, described his participation as an expression of gratitude.
“For me, taking part in blood donation is a reflection of gratitude to Allah,” he said, shortly after receiving congratulatory messages from Ambassador Chandra on his graduation.
Dr. Wasifa Mutassim, Program Manager of the Health Department at PRCS, welcomed the strong turnout of young donors.
“I truly appreciate the participation of young people in this year’s blood donation drive, as blood donated by youth generally carries a lower risk of transfusion-transmissible diseases,” she said.
At the conclusion of the event, the PRCS announced that more than 80 blood bags had been successfully collected.
The humanitarian partnership between the Indonesian Embassy and PRCS will continue with an Emergency Response Training programme for ASEAN family members, scheduled for July 9–10, 2026, in Islamabad.
