Gov’t Ensures Fulfillment of COVID-19 Vaccine for Domestic Needs

SOEs Minister gives a press statement after a virtual limited meeting, Monday (14/9). (Photo by: Ibrahim/PR).

The Government has announced it will ensure fulfillment of COVID-19 vaccine for domestic needs comprising vaccine assistance from the Government and an independent vaccine program.

“The vaccine derives from the Government assistance and an independent vaccine program. Those who can afford it must buy the vaccine themselves. This is also a priority in the next few months for vaccination,” said Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Monday (14/9).

Apart from embarking on cooperation with drug developers including AstraZeneca, Chinese drug manufacturer CanSino, and Pfizer, Erick said the Government has also continued to work with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) and GAVI (Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization).

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who also helms Chairperson of COVID-19 Mitigation and National Economic Recovery (PEN) Policy making Committee, said that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo also called for further study regarding non-tenured workers.

“The Government will conduct a study whether non-tenured workers will also be given assistance given that a small proportion of them have already received assistance through existing data in BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (Workers Social Security Provider Body),” he said.

To that end, Airlangga stressed that the program would be geared toward all non-tenured workers; yet the details are still being prepared.

“The President has ordered that the pre-employment card be discussed with Ministry of Finance given that a large number of informal workers have been affected,” he said. (TGH/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas