WEST BANGKA -- The spirit of humanitarianism marked the blood donation drive held as part of PT TIMAH (Persero) Tbk’s 50th Anniversary Community Service Month in Mentok, West Bangka, on Saturday (August 1, 2026).
In collaboration with the West Bangka Branch of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), PT TIMAH successfully collected 86 bags of blood during the 50th Anniversary Community Service Month, themed "Tin for the People," helping maintain blood supplies to meet the needs of patients in the community.
The blood donation drive received an enthusiastic response from PT TIMAH employees and local residents alike. Women also actively participated in the humanitarian initiative, demonstrating their commitment to helping others.
One of the donors, Jamilah (49), a resident of Jalan Raya Peltim in Mentok, donated blood for the first time. She said she was motivated by humanitarian reasons as well as the health benefits of donating blood.
"In addition to being good for our health, donating blood can help improve blood circulation. Most importantly, it's for humanitarian purposes so that people in need of blood can receive it more easily," said Jamilah.
Jamilah expressed her gratitude for finally being able to donate after previously being unable to do so because of low hemoglobin levels.
"Alhamdulillah, this time I was able to donate. Previously, I couldn't because my hemoglobin level was too low. This is a wonderful program because many patients need blood. The more people who donate, the more blood will be available for those who need it," she said.
A similar spirit was shared by Anisa Putri Kinanti (25), a private-sector employee who has donated blood six times. She said her decision to become a regular donor began after a close friend needed a blood transfusion, but there was no blood available at the time.
"It started when a friend became seriously ill and needed a blood transfusion. At that time, there was no blood in stock. Since then, I've made it a habit to donate regularly so that no one else has to struggle to find blood when they need it," Anisa explained.
The B+ blood type donor also expressed her appreciation for PT TIMAH's blood donation drive and hoped the company would continue organizing similar activities.
"PT TIMAH's blood donation program is excellent. I hope it continues in the future," she said.
Marzeni (46), Head of Hamlet VII in Belo Laut Village, also demonstrated his commitment to helping others by donating blood while expressing his appreciation for PT TIMAH's social initiative.
"Besides the humanitarian aspect, every drop of blood is invaluable to patients in need. This is a very meaningful activity. We truly appreciate PT TIMAH and thank the company for organizing it," he said.
Marzeni said he donates blood regularly, believing that blood donation is a simple act of kindness that can make a significant difference in someone else's life.
"At least two or three times a year. In addition to community blood drives, I also donate individually whenever there is an urgent request from patients at the hospital," he explained.
Meanwhile, Chairwoman of the West Bangka PMI, Dr. Yovita Sari Metkono, said PT TIMAH has long been one of PMI's key partners in helping maintain an adequate blood supply for the community.
"Every year during PT TIMAH's anniversary celebrations, the company collaborates with West Bangka PMI to organize voluntary blood donation drives. This year alone, we've partnered twice, with the previous collaboration taking place during National Occupational Safety and Health Month," she said.
She emphasized that the collaboration is essential because the demand for blood remains constant. Regular voluntary blood donation drives help maintain stable blood supplies so they are readily available whenever patients need them.
"This is an excellent initiative. PT TIMAH continues to stand alongside West Bangka PMI in maintaining stable blood supplies that ultimately benefit the community," she said.
She also expressed hope that PT TIMAH's commitment to supporting blood availability would inspire other institutions and companies to organize regular blood donation drives.
"By consistently organizing voluntary blood donation activities, we hope PT TIMAH can inspire other institutions to do the same," she added.
"We also hope the collaboration between PT TIMAH and PMI will continue through humanitarian initiatives so that together we can create a positive impact for the community," she concluded. (*)
