Gov’t Distributes COVID-19 Vaccines to Regions

President Jokowi when handingover land certificates in a virtual ceremony, from the State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (5/1). (Photo by: PR/Jay)

The Government has distributed the first of 700 thousand doses of COVID-19 vaccines to 34 provinces for the vaccination program.

“Out of 3 million vaccine doses available in the country, 700 thousand doses have been sent. We will gradually distribute all vaccines immediately,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said at the State Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (5/1).

According to the President, the Government will re-order the COVID-19 vaccines for the vaccination program.

“Insyaallah, state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma will produce another 15 million vaccines next week to be distributed to the regions,” the President said.

In the first stage, he added, vaccination will be provided to priority groups, including medical workers such as doctors and nurses in hospitals. “The second priority group includes the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI)-the National Police (Polri) team and teachers as well as the public,” he said.

On that occasion, the President expressed hope that the vaccination program can handle and control COVID-19. However, he also urged the public to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols until the vaccination process has been completed.

“We should also remind our relatives, neighbors, colleagues, and friends to remain vigilant and disciplined in implementing health protocols. Do wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid crowded places, maintain a safe distance,” he added.

The President went on to say that vaccination around the world is estimated to take 3.5 years. Nevertheless, based on the calculation of Ministry of Health it will take 15 months for vaccination process in Indonesia.

“I have received a calculation report from Minister of Health that the vaccination (process) will take 15 months, but I order him to finish the vaccination program in less than a year. We must work hard to overcome the pandemic so that we can recover and return to normal activities. I think we all hope for that to happen,” the President said. (TGH/UN) (RIF/LW)