Jakarta. Lippo Group donated funds and basic commodities to earthquake victims in Pidie Jaya, Aceh through the Indonesian Red Cross Society, or PMI, on Thursday (08/12).

Lippo Group chairman and founder, Mochtar Riady, met with PMI chairman, Ginandjar Kartasasmita, to make a donation at their headquarters in Jakarta.

Lippo donated around 4000 packages of sembako (basic commodities), worth Rp 250 million ($1882) and an additional Rp 250 million in financial aid.

The commodities were delivered from a Lippo-owned Hypermart store in Binjai, North Sumatra.

Mochtar said that it is a responsibility for the company to contribute to humanitarian causes.

"Everyone and every corporation needs to have a social responsibility. What I always say to my children and grandchildren is that behind our status, there is a responsibility to help others, especially in times of disaster," Mochtar said.

He also showed his appreciation to PMI for their preparedness in emergency situations.

"I also hope Lippo Group and PMI will continue to work closely together for disaster relief," Mochtar added.

Ginandjar thanked Lippo Group for their participation, saying that the assistance, especially the funds, would be of significant help to the victims.

"We appreciate every form of financial assistance because we never have any fixed source of funds. We rely on society for that," he said.

According to Ginandjar, some of the funds PMI receives for charity come from retailers, such as Hypermart, where customers are asked to donate their change every time they make a transaction.

"Now we have started working with Matahari Department Store on this initiative," he added.

At present, PMI has sent 13 medical staff and provided 1000 family kits, 1000 hygiene kits, 1100 blankets, 1500 tarpaulins and 300 body bags to Aceh.