Sinovac COVID-19 Vaccines Arrive in Indonesia

Garuda Indonesia charter plane carrying 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine arrives at Soekarno Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten Province, Sunday (06/12). (Photo by: Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat/Lukas)

As many as 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, transported via national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, arrived at Soekarno-Hatta Airport, Tangerang, Banten Province, Sunday (6/12).

“Today, the Government has received 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine made by (private Chinese biopharmaceutical firm) Sinovac (Biotech), we have tested it clinically in Bandung, since last August 2020,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo stated through the Presidential Secretariat YouTube channel, Sunday (06/12).

This number will continue to increase in line with the needs for pandemic handling in Indonesia. President Jokowi stated that the Government is still working on the arrival of 1.8 million doses of vaccine in early January 2021.

This month, the President added, Indonesia will also import 15 million doses of raw materials of vaccines. “In January, (there will be) 30 million doses of raw materials of vaccines, which will be further processed by state-owned pharmacy company Bio Farma,” he said.

With the availability of this vaccine, efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can be carried out immediately through vaccination. “We are very grateful, alhamdulillah, thank God, the vaccine is available, which means we can immediately prevent the COVID-19 spread.” the President said.

However, the President said, in order to start the vaccination, steps from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) are still needed.

Furthermore, the President emphasized four matters that must be addressed in the implementation of vaccination.

First, proper procedures in order to ensure public health and safety as well as vaccine effectiveness. “Scientific considerations, the results of clinical trials, these will determine when vaccination can be started,” the President said.

Second, preparation of a vaccine distribution system to the regions. Vaccine distribution is very important, as are supporting equipment, HR, and vaccination management. “We know that we have been preparing for the process since few months ago through simulations in several provinces. I am sure that it will be ready when we start the vaccination,” he said.

Third, monitoring and following announcements and instructions related to vaccination. “Since it is not possible to vaccinate our people simultaneously, I hope all parties will follow the announcements and instructions from officers who are currently preparing vaccinations,” the President said.

Lastly, implementing health protocols. “Even though the vaccines are available, we still have to be disciplined in carrying out health protocols, keep the 3M discipline (wearing masks, maintaining distance, washing hands), we always have to do it,” the President concluded.(SLN/UN) (FI/LW)