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Poorest Donate Most To Red Cross Efforts
Ulma Haryanto | February 23, 2010

Indonesian Red Cross members conducting an information campaign against flu. (JG Photo/Safir Makki) Indonesian Red Cross members conducting an information campaign against flu. (JG Photo/Safir Makki)
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According to the Jakarta Red Cross’s fundraising figures, the capital’s less-affluent residents are more charitable than the moneyed.

Rini Sutiyoso, general secretary for the aid organization, said on Tuesday that of the more than Rp 12 billion ($1.3 million) it collected in 2009, about three-quarters came from low- to middle-income donors.

“I am very happy to announce that the total funds raised for 2009 have increased 13.8 percent from the previous year to Rp 12.43 billion,” Rini said, adding that the fact that 73 percent of the amount they raised in 2009 came from the lower-income brackets marked a new development for the organization.

Economically challenged East Jakarta raised the most for the Red Cross, contributing Rp 2.97 billion, while the Thousand Islands pitched in the least with Rp 34.3 million.

East Jakarta raised 18.6 percent more than last year, said Fajar Panjaitan, chairman of the Red Cross 2009 Fundraising Committee.

The Red Cross’ fundraising is usually through purchase-points, where people can buy donation coupons for Rp 500, Rp 1,000, Rp 2,000 and Rp 5,000. To be fair, this year they are planning to give the wealthy more opportunities to show their generous side.

“For our 2010 annual fundraising, which will start in September, we are going to target high schools, shopping centers, malls and universities with more than 20,000 students,” she said.

“For next year the Red Cross is going to increase the coupon value, and we are going to open 10 outlets at malls and shopping centers,” she said, adding that the Indonesian Red Cross was planning to open another 100 separate outlets throughout the country.

Governor Fauzi Bowo, who said he was pleased with the results of the fundraising, suggested a review and consultation with professionals in order to increase the Jakarta Red Cross’ appeal to other economic groups.

“We should also think about signing a memorandum of understanding with broadcast companies, such as private television and radio companies, to extend our reach, and also with the Jakarta chapter of the Moslem Charitable Donation Board [Bazis] to increase the effectiveness of the synergy in channeling the funds to those who need them most,” he added.

PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol was the highest contributor among state-owned enterprises, while the top donor among government institutions was the Basic Education Unit at the Jakarta Education Office. The Indonesian Association of Movie Entrepreneurs (GPBSI) was the largest private donor.