The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Jakarta will be more optimal in providing assistance that are needed by residents, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PMI Jakarta Chairperson, Rustam Effendi mentioned, it is done as PMI's responsibility in carrying out social mandate to residents through Bulan Dana fundraising.

"We are grateful that Bulan Dana PMI fundraising in Jakarta can reach Rp 29.9 billion, which exceeds the initial target of Rp 26 billion," he stated, Thursday (1/21).

According to him, the collected funds will be returned to the communities through social humanitarian activities carried out by PMI.

PMI Jakarta, he continued, will also provide assistance to disaster-affected areas in Indonesia, such as West Sulawesi and South Kalimantan.

"We will focus on assisting Sulawesi by sending goods and rescue teams, since there are many casualties," he said.