Gov’t Committed to Tackling Obstacles in COVID-19 Vaccination

President Jokowi delivers a statement after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination, Wednesday (27/01),at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta. (Photo by: PR / Jay)

Given the low level realization of COVID-19 vaccination for health workers, the Government has renewed commitment to improve measures in addressing obstacles in the vaccination program.

“This is just the beginning. This vaccination starts with health workers, both doctors and nurses. We need to improve the management on the ground,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said after receiving the second jab of the vaccine, Wednesday (27/01).

To date, the Head of State continued, approximately 250,000 health workers have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine; yet, there has been a significant increase in the number in the last one or two days.

“Every day or two, the jump has been quite sharp, so a day can be 50,000 (vaccinations),” he said, adding that with 30,000 vaccinators in almost 10,000 health centers and 3,000 hospitals, the Government is targeting 900,000 thousand to 1 million vaccinations per day.

“It does take time and good management on the ground. I always remind Minister of Health about this,” he said.

The President also stressed that the priority now is given to health workers, personnel of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) – the National Police (Polri), public service officers then to the public.

In order to get through the pandemic, the President added, vaccination must go hand in hand with discipline in observing health protocols.

“We must stay disciplined. Wear a face mask, wash hands, maintain a safe distance and avoid crowds as well as reduce mobility,” he remarked. (FID/UN) (MUR/EP)