PMI receives donation from South Africa

Antara News, Thursday, December 17, 2009 15:54 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has received a donation of Rp600 million from the South African government for earthquake victims in West Sumatra.

Chairman of financial affairs at the PMI head office, Salahuddin Nyak Kaoy, said in a written statement to Antara on Thursday the donation from South Africa would be spent on the continuation of PMI`s disaster mitigation program in West Sumatra.

Salahuddin said several ongoing disaster mitigation programs in West Sumtra were among others the construction of temporary shelters for quake victims in the province.

The donation was officially presented by South African Ambassador to Indonesia Noel Noa Lehoko to Salahuddin at a ceremony at the PMI head office here on Wednesday night.

After receiving the donation, Salahuddin said PMI expressed high appreciation and gratitude to the South African government.

Meanwhile, the South African envoy said on the occasion that the donation was given

to PMI because he believed the Indonesian Red Cross was responsible in the emergency response which was supported by a number of experienced parties including the doctors after the disaster.

Noel Noa Lehoko said the donation from his country was part of its sympathy to Indonesia.