Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Receiving the Second Dose of COVID-19 Vaccination, Wednesday, 27 January 2021, at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta
Spokesperson for COVID-19 Vaccination (Reisa Broto Asmoro)
Currently, we are with Mr. President, Joko Widodo. How are you, Mr. President?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Alhamdulillah, thank God. I’m doing great.
Spokesperson for COVID-19 Vaccination (Reisa Broto Asmoro)
Alhamdulillah.
Mr. President, this is an injection of the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Can you explain these two vaccines, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay, so after the first injection of the COVID-19 vaccine, that was on 13 January (2021), two weeks ago, today, I received the second shot of the vaccine. And, just like what happened two weeks ago, I don’t feel a thing (during the vaccination). Previously, only some muscle aches after two hours, I think this time it will be the same. I still also can engage in my activities.
Spokesperson for COVID-19 Vaccination (Reisa Broto Asmoro)
I’m glad to hear that. And, of course, you still have many following activities.
Sir, it is said that the vaccination realization for medical personnel is still low. In your opinion, what are the Government’s efforts in the future?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
This is just the beginning. Medical personnel, both doctors and nurses, are the first to receive this vaccination (program). And, in the beginning, usually, there are matters related to management in the field that need to be improved. Currently, about 250,000 medical personnel have been vaccinated. However, in the last one or two days, the number has jumped quite sharply, so we can have 50,000 (vaccinated) in a day.
Actually, our target is, because we have 30,000 vaccinators in our 10,000 community health centers and 3,000 hospitals. We hope we can at least vaccinate 900,000 to 1 million people in a day. This is the target. But it does take time, it needs good field management and this is what I repeatedly said to Minister of Health.
Spokesperson for COVID-19 Vaccination (Reisa Broto Asmoro)
How about (vaccination) for the public? When will it start?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
According to what I said earlier. Firstly, we need to prioritize the medical personnel. Doctors and nurses are our priorities. Later, the Indonesian National Defense Forces-the National Police and public servants as well as the community, we’ll do it together. I believe in February, mid-February, we will be able to start.
Spokesperson for COVID-19 Vaccination (Reisa Broto Asmoro)
That is great, God willing. We wish that everything runs smoothly.
Sir, what are your messages for all Indonesian people?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Don’t forget the health protocols after being vaccinated. Maintain it in a discipline manner. Wear the mask, wash your hands, keep your distance. This is one of the important keys. Apart from vaccinations, the second key is maintaining health protocols. Avoid the crowd, reduce the mobility, I guess that is.
Spokesperson for COVID-19 Vaccination (Reisa Broto Asmoro)
Alright, thank you very much Mr. President, I wish you good health and good luck in the future.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Thank you.
Spokesperson for COVID-19 Vaccination (Reisa Broto Asmoro)
Thank you.