Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During Inspection of Mass COVID-19 Vaccination, Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at Kao Sub-District Office, North Halmahera Regency, North Maluku Province
Today I visit Kao Sub-district in North Halmahera regency in North Maluku province. Why do I visit this sub-district? (Because) I want to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccination is evenly distributed all over Indonesia, to every corner of the country, to the areas that are difficult to reach.
The vaccination already started today. Afterwards, there will be 100 people who will get vaccinated every day in Kao Sub-district, which is home to around 9.400 people. And this vaccination is already carried out for civil servants, farmers, and market traders. I believe if all areas, including the remote areas, can organize the vaccination like, the spread of CIVD-19 can be curbed and stopped.
Yes, that is the most important thing in my opinion. I want to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccination is evenly distributed all over Indonesia.
That concludes my speech. And I would like to talk to you for a second, Mr.…. Tell me, what is your name, Sir?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
Markius U., Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Nickname?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
Kius.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Mr. Kius. Is this the first dose of vaccine?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You were injected. Was it hurt?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
No, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Was it not hurt?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
No, it was not.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Why do want to get vaccinated?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
So that I will not be infected by COVID-19.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Oh, I see. You do not want to be infected by COVID-19.
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay. Do you want to say something to the rest of the community, Mr. Kius?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
To…
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Any messages?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
Messages?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, what do you want to say?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Markius U.)
I would like to say that all communities must be vaccinated.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes. Later, everyone is going to be vaccinated. Step by step, until at the end of the year insyaallah everything will be done. Stay well and healthy, Mr. Kius. And the other, what is your name, Sir?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Rein)
Rein.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Mr. Rein? Okay. What do you do?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Rein)
I am retired now, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay, Retired. How old are you now?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Rein)
I am 62 years old, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay, 62 years old person belongs to the elderly group. You were vaccinated, was it hurt?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Rein)
Yes, a bit, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay, it hurts a bit.
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Rein)
Yes, Sir. A bit.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Maybe in at least two days, Mr. Rein will be a little bit sleepy. But it is OK. The important thing is after you get injected at the first time and then two more weeks you will get the second injection. Yes, at least two days you will be sleepy, but after that, everything will back to normal as usual. Just a little bit sleepy. And, do you have messages for the rest of the community, Mr. Rein?
COVID-19 Vaccination Participant (Rein)
Yes, Sir. This government program is very good. We always give support and (the vaccination) is good for the community in order to break the chain of the spread of COVID-19. That is all, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, after the injection, as Mr. Rein said, the spread of COVID-19 cases can be cut off. I guess, thank you. Stay well and healthy.
That concludes my speech.
Thank you. Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (AP/MEP)