President Jokowi: Gov’t to Provide Free COVID-19 Vaccines for Public

President Jokowi delivers his press statement on the progress of the COVID-19 vaccination, Wednesday (16/12). (Source: Screenshot from Cabinet Secretariat YouTube TV)

The Government has announced it will provide COVID-19 vaccines free of charge for the public, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“The COVID-19 vaccines will be provided free of charge for the public. Once again, it’s for free. There will be no charges at all,” the President said in his press statement, Wednesday (16/12).

The Government made the decision after receiving input from the public and carrying out a re-calculation of state finance.

To that end, the President instructed all ministries/institutions and regional governments to prioritize the vaccination program for the 2021 fiscal year.

“I also instructed Minister of Finance to prioritize and re-allocate other budgets related to the availability and free vaccination program. Thus, the community will receive the vaccines,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also expressed his willingness to be the first person to be injected with the COVID-19 vaccines in Indonesia.

“I also want to assert that I will be the first recipient to get vaccinated. This move aims to provide trust and confidence to the public that the vaccines are safe,” he said.

In his statement, the President also reminded the public to remain disciplined in implementing the health protocols.

“I urge the public to remain disciplined in carrying out 3M health protocols, namely wearing a face mask, keeping your distance, and washing your hands for the sake of our safety,” he said. (SLN/UN/DND) (RIF/MUR)