Pangkalpinang -- PT TIMAH Tbk has once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting social and community initiatives by backing the annual blood donation drive organized by the Bangka Belitung chapter of Keluarga Alumni Universitas Gadjah Mada (Kagama) in collaboration with Palang Merah Indonesia Blood Transfusion Unit (UTD PMI) Pangkalpinang.
Carrying the theme “Love in Every Drop: Sharing Life on Valentine’s Day,” the blood donation event will take place at the PMI Blood Transfusion Unit in Pangkalpinang on Saturday (February 14, 2026).
Held ahead of Ramadan, the activity has become a regular agenda for Kagama Bangka Belitung and has now entered its fourth year. The program aims to help maintain blood supply levels, which typically decline during the fasting month through Eid al-Fitr.
Chairman of Kagama Bangka Belitung Province, Ferry Afrianto, emphasized the importance of blood donation as a form of solidarity and care for others.
“Currently, more than 250 people have registered, but all will undergo screening to determine their eligibility to donate. We also provide assistance packages or tokens of appreciation for donors,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the committee members, sponsors, donors, the community, and all parties involved in the blood donation drive.
“This blood donation activity will continue to be held annually as Kagama Bangka Belitung’s commitment to making a positive contribution to the surrounding community,” Ferry added.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Kagama Bangka Belitung Blood Donation Committee, Marini, explained that the program is carried out as both a social initiative and an effort to encourage people to actively donate blood.
“We have a routine program ahead of Ramadan to conduct blood donation activities with PMI. Donations usually decline during Ramadan, even though the need for blood never decreases. That’s why this momentum is important to maintain blood stock levels,” said Marini, who also serves as an official with PMI Pangkalpinang.
During the event, PT TIMAH Tbk provided support in the form of rice packages given to donors as a token of appreciation for their participation.
Marini noted that PT TIMAH Tbk’s support has increased public enthusiasm for participating in the blood donation drive.
“Basic food packages are quite effective in encouraging people to donate. Although not everyone meets the medical requirements, community enthusiasm remains high, and PT TIMAH Tbk has supported this activity for four consecutive years,” she said.
She added that collaboration among various stakeholders is essential to ensuring the sustainability of blood donation programs, especially during critical periods when demand for blood rises.
“Blood stocks often decline ahead of Eid. Support from various parties like PT TIMAH Tbk greatly helps maintain blood availability for the community,” she explained.
Marini described PT TIMAH Tbk’s involvement as a tangible example of the company’s social responsibility and close engagement with the community. Through this collaboration, it is hoped that more institutions and communities will participate in humanitarian social activities across Bangka Belitung.
Echoing this sentiment, PMI Pangkalpinang Advisor Muhammad Rizki stated that Pangkalpinang serves as the central hub for blood demand on Bangka Island, with the need for blood continuing to increase. Therefore, PMI has been intensifying education about the importance of blood donation.
“It’s important to encourage first-time donors, including students, to develop the intention to help others. Hopefully, they can become regular donors at least once every three months, ideally four times a year. Regular donations are beneficial both for personal health and for the greater good,” he said.
In addition to the blood donation drive, Kagama Bangka Belitung also used the occasion to educate the public, including providing blood donation literacy for first-time donors and other social awareness programs. Community members who donated blood received basic food packages as tokens of appreciation. (*)
