Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on COVID-19 Vaccination at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta May 30, 2022

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

Alhamdulillah, thank God, the number of COVID-19 cases has flattened, public activities have started to return to normal, and the people’s economy has started to rebound.

All of this is due to our success in controlling the pandemic.

However, we must remember to stay vigilant. We must maintain the recovery momentum. For this reason, I appeal to the public to continue the full dose vaccination process as well as a booster shot to prevent transmission.

The booster shot plays a vital role. Data from Ministry of Health shows that the booster shot can increase immunity up to two times compared to the second dose of vaccination. The booster shot is also needed to protect the elderly and vulnerable people or those with comorbid diseases from COVID-19 transmission.

The Government has an adequate supply of booster COVID-19 vaccines. Thus, I urge the public to immediately have a booster shot for free. Do not be picky about the type of vaccine because all vaccines have the same benefits: to protect us all from the COVID-19 pandemic we are facing.

Let us keep this good momentum together so that Indonesia can recover and the economy can rebound.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(FI/EP)