Indonesian Red Cross Sends Condolences After Venezuela Earthquake Disaster
- 30 Jun 2026 23:25 WIB
- Voice of Indonesia
Key Points
- The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) extended its deep condolences over the 7.5-magnitude Venezuela earthquake.
- PMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla clarified that the agency's primary role remains symbolic rather than operational.
- Venezuelan authorities deployed thousands of rescue workers to manage the escalating emergency.
RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has extended its deepest condolences following the devastating 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Venezuela, South America which claimed thousands of lives and left widespread destruction. PMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla said the message of sympathy reflects the humanitarian solidarity of the organization’s leadership and volunteers across Indonesia.
Speaking in Jakarta on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, Jusuf Kalla stressed that PMI’s role in this situation is primarily symbolic, as logistical and operational support is being coordinated regionally. “Regarding the situation in Venezuela, we at the Indonesian Red Cross express our deepest condolences for this tragic earthquake,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
Jusuf Kalla explained that PMI has not dispatched personnel or supplies directly to Venezuela due to geographical distance and the high cost of transporting aid to South America compared with the scale of assistance that could be delivered locally. Instead, humanitarian support is being managed by nearby national Red Cross societies and regional partners.
“It is always regional in basis. Neighboring countries such as Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and the United States are at the forefront of providing assistance,” he added.
The former Vice President noted that PMI’s international humanitarian operations have historically focused on emergencies within ASEAN and Asia, where proximity allows for faster and more effective deployment.
Venezuela declared a national state of emergency after the twin earthquakes struck on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. By Sunday, June 28, National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez confirmed that the death toll had risen sharply to 1,450 people, with 3,150 injured, 12,721 displaced, and 774 buildings destroyed. Rescue operations now involve 25,000 personnel working across affected areas.
This tragedy underscores the importance of regional humanitarian cooperation, where proximity and shared resources often determine the speed and scale of aid delivery in major disasters. ***
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