The COVID-19 pandemic is obviously having a devastating effect on communities around the world, and Indonesia is no different. According to recent Indonesian Government statistics, the worst-case outcomes might mean up to 3.78 million new poor, and up to 5.2 million additional unemployed throughout the nation.

While the government has instituted a social security program to assist those impacted, Mitrais staff have taken it upon themselves to initiate a complimentary program, Mitrais Berbagi (Berbagi roughly translates to Sharing in English).

Using donations from staff at our Bali, Bandung and Yogya offices, more than Rp80 million has already been collected. This has been used to create “Sembako”, relief packages containing staples such as rice, sugar, eggs, oil, canned foods, and noodles for distribution to needy families. Each package also includes fabric masks to help in the containment of the virus.

The first packages have already been delivered, and subsequent deliveries are planned to continue for as long as the pandemic continues.

As Ms Wiwie Harris, President Director of Mitrais said, “We are very proud to learn about the programs initiated by our staff to support the people within our community who are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Adding value to the society is one of Mitrais’ key corporate values, so the Mitrais’ Board is very pleased to announce that Mitrais will make donations to match those made by our staff. We are hopeful that we can repeat this month’s donation in following months. Hand-in-hand, we can double the impact of the program and help even more people”.

One of our staff, Ayu, says “This month is a great time of self-reflection and being thankful for what we have in our life. We would like to help those who are less fortunate and, personally, I’m so happy that I can be part of this”.

Everyone at Mitrais is committed to helping our communities during this time of crisis, and Mitrais Berbagi is a great practical contribution to our countrymen.