PDIP Appreciates the Performance of Ambulance Drivers and Disaster Volunteers

JAKARTA - The General Chair of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), Megawati Soekarnoputri, emphasized that the PDIP Disaster Management Agency (BAGUNA) was formed for technical and responsive humanitarian work, not just based on theory.

Megawati emphasized the importance of field readiness, starting from the provision of public kitchens, logistics that are appropriate for disaster conditions, to the specific needs of affected communities such as clean water, warm food, medicines, baby supplies, and women's needs.

"Once BAGUNA is down, the main thing is to open a public kitchen. The public kitchen is for anyone who needs it, regardless of their background. This is a humanitarian matter, not a political matter," said Megawati.

He also reminded that assistance should be distributed according to the needs on the ground and not just to provide goods, and encouraged the recording of disaster-prone areas as part of long-term mitigation efforts.

Meanwhile, the Head of the PDI Perjuangan DPP for Disaster Management, Tri Rismaharini, revealed the reason why her party gave appreciation to ambulance drivers and disaster volunteers who have worked without knowing the time and fixed rewards.

Risma said that ambulance drivers often work without days off, even delivering patients on Sundays and early in the morning. Their role is not limited to driving, but also helps with various emergency patient needs.

"Sometimes when they deliver patients, they have to find blood to PMI, take care of medicine, even take care of insurance if there is an accident. All of this is done by these drivers," said Risma in a statement received, Sunday, December 21.

Departing from this condition, Risma together with the DPP PDI Perjuangan leadership took the initiative to provide real appreciation.

Initially, the award was intended specifically for ambulance drivers, but was later expanded to party volunteers who actively help the community in the field.

He explained that PDI Perjuangan volunteers such as Baguna and the health team have been directly involved in disaster handling and various humanitarian needs in a number of areas. For this dedication, the party has prepared more than 2,000 awards for volunteers throughout Indonesia.

"They are not paid by the party. They also operate the ambulance themselves. Therefore, we are trying to find CSR so that they can get protection," he said.