Vaccine Development Should Follow Scientific Principles, President Jokowi Says

Development of the COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia should meet scientific procedures and principles as fundamental requirements in order to produce safe, efficacious, and high-quality medicinal products and vaccine, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

Clinical trials that are carried out also have to be in accordance with generally applicable procedures, conducted openly instead of being concealed, transparent, and involve experts, the President added.

“These requirements and phases are important to do so that we can prove that the process of vaccine production prioritizes precaution as a vital element and also can be scientifically accounted for. So, the resulting vaccine is safe and effective for use,” he said, Friday (12/03).

For the record, there are two COVID-19 vaccines that are being developed domestically, namely the Merah Putih vaccine and the Nusantara vaccine. According to the President, development of these vaccines needs public support.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also expressed support for research and development of both medicinal products and vaccines in order to achieve self-sufficiency in pharmaceutical sector as well as to accelerate access to vaccine availability amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Once all stages have been completed, we will boost vaccine production to fulfill domestic demand,” he remarked. (FID/UN) (AP/EP)