Medan, 11 June 2024 – To commemorate World Blood Donor Day on 14 June 2024, Asian Agri, in collaboration with the Tanoto Foundation and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Medan, organised a blood donation event at Thamrin Plaza in Medan, North Sumatra. This event reflects the commitment of Asian Agri and the Tanoto Foundation to supporting the steady supply of blood for patients in need and raising public awareness about the importance of blood donation.
Head of Laboratory Technical Services and Blood Bank at the Indonesian Red Cross Medan, dr. Ira Fitriyanti, stated, “The PMI Medan team greatly appreciates the efforts of Asian Agri and the Tanoto Foundation for conducting the blood donation event at Thamrin Plaza, as not all organisations or companies engage in such activities. PMI requires a daily stock of 1,500 blood bags. Therefore, PMI greatly depends on the support from stakeholders and the community. We hope this event can be held regularly, encouraging active donors to bring in new donors.”
Dr. Ira also explained that PMI offers educational services on the blood processing procedure from start to finish.
Manager of Sustainability Operation and CSR at Asian Agri, Putu Grhyate Yonata Aksa, stated, “This blood donation event is part of our ongoing commitment to support community health and well-being. It represents our tangible presence and concern for others while educating the public about the importance of blood donation. Every drop of donated blood has the potential to save lives. Through this activity, Asian Agri hopes to assist more people and create a healthier, more compassionate community.”
Regional Lead of Tanoto Foundation in North Sumatra, Jeffrey Jeo, added, “This initiative is one way we support improving the living standards of the community. It aligns with the mission of the Tanoto Foundation, which, in this instance, focuses on enhancing health quality. Blood donation not only aims to help those in need of transfusions but also benefits the donors’ health in various ways. We hope that more people will understand the importance of blood donation and be encouraged to donate their blood,” he explained.
The blood donation event took place at d’Loft Food Lover Thamrin Plaza 7th Floor from 9:00 to 14:00 WIB. Eligible participants were encouraged to participate, and the first 150 donors received food, beverages, and souvenirs.
During the event, donors received handwoven craft souvenirs, which are products of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) from one of Asian Agri’s partner communities in Riau. These handcrafted items are made from palm frond fibers, and transformed into woven products such as bags, plates, home decorations, and more. This initiative is part of Asian Agri’s 2030 Commitment Pillar 2, Inclusive Growth, where the company supports the development of SMEs in villages surrounding its operational areas.
Asian Agri, together with the Tanoto Foundation, is committed to supporting various public health programs in Medan and its surrounding areas. Apart from blood donation drives, both companies regularly conduct health education and free health screenings.
About Asian Agri
Asian Agri is one of Indonesia’s leading national private companies producing crude palm oil (CPO) since 1979. To date, Asian Agri manages 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and employs over 20,000 people.
As a pioneer of the Indonesian Government’s Smallholder Transmigration Core Plantation Program (PIR-Trans), Asian Agri has partnered with 30,000 plasma smallholders in Riau and Jambi who manage 60,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. Additionally, the company fosters partnerships with independent smallholders to bring positive impacts on their welfare and economic improvement.
By implementing a zero-burning policy and sustainable plantation management practices, Asian Agri helps smallholders increase productivity, crop yields, supply chain traceability and supports them in obtaining certifications. Asian Agri’s factories utilize state-of-the-art technology harnessing self-generated green energy to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
All business units under the umbrella of Asian Agri have obtained ISPO (Indonesian Sustainable Palm Oil) certification. Currently, Asian Agri’s core plantations in North Sumatra, Riau, and Jambi provinces, as well as plasma smallholders plantations in Riau and Jambi provinces, are 100% RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified. Simultaneously, ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) has been achieved for all plantations owned by Asian Agri and its partner farmers.
Asian Agri’s success as one of the leading CPO producers has been internationally recognized with ISO 14001 certification for all its operations. The Learning Institute in Pelalawan, Riau, and the seedling center in Kampar, Riau, are also ISO 9001 certified. Furthermore, Asian Agri’s research and development center in Tebing Tinggi has been certified by the International Plant-Analytical Exchange at the WEPAL lab at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, ensuring high standards.
For further information, kindly contact:
Corporate Communications, Asian Agri
Email: communications@asianagri.com
About Tanoto Foundation:
The Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation in education, established by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981, based on the belief that every individual should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. The foundation’s programs are designed on the philosophy that quality education accelerates equal opportunities.
We develop individual potential and improve quality of life through quality education from early childhood to adulthood. The three pillars of the Tanoto Foundation’s commitment are improving the learning environment, developing future leaders, and facilitating medical research.
Media Contact:
Corporate Communications Tanoto Foundation
Email: Communication@tanotofoundation.org
Website: www.tanotofoundation.org
