Health Minister: Public Participation Pivotal for COVID-19 Vaccine Program

President Jokowi receives the first injection of COVID-19 vaccine (Photo: Public Relations /Jay)

The Government started national COVID-19 vaccination program on Wednesday (13/01). The recipient of the first vaccine injection was President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“My only message to my fellow Indonesian citizens is that the vaccine is a tool that can be used to protect ourselves. But more importantly, this vaccine also aims to protect our families, protect our neighbors, protect the Indonesian people, and protect human civilization around the globe,” Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin said at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (13/01).

The Minister said that herd immunity is expected to be achieved soon through the vaccination. To achieve it, vaccination is required for 70 percent of the population.

On that occasion, Budi also appealed for the support and participation of all Indonesian people in the vaccination program.

“The participation from all Indonesian people will greatly determine the success of the program. I hope that all Indonesian people can start receiving the vaccination, and support the vaccination program to make Indonesia and the world free from COVID-19 pandemic,” he concluded. (FID/UN) (RI/MMB)