Indonesia Begins COVID-19 Vaccination
President Jokowi becomes the first recipient of COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia, at the veranda of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (13/1). (Photo by: PR/Jay)
The Indonesian Government, on Wednesday (13/1), began the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo received the first shot of Sinovac vaccine, followed by a number of representatives from various backgrounds.
“I, together with representatives from the health sector, religious figures, market traders, entrepreneurs, labors, teachers, and medical workers have been vaccinated,” the President said in his press statement after the vaccination.
According to him, the vaccination program will proceed throughout Indonesia after today’s session.
“After today’s vaccination, it will continue to be implemented in all provinces, regencies, and cities across the country,” he said.
The President went on to say that the vaccination is carried out after the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) issued the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) also issued the halal fatwa on the vaccine.
The President also expressed his gratitude to Deputy Chief of the Presidential Medical Team dr. Abdul Muthalib for becoming the vaccinator in this first vaccination session.
On that occasion, the Head of State reiterated that COVID-19 vaccination is an essential effort to escape from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The COVID-19 vaccination is pivotal to break the chain of the virus transmission and to provide health protection and safety to all of us, the Indonesian people, as well as to accelerate the process of economic recovery,” he said.
The President also urged the public to remain disciplined in implementing the 3M health protocols (mask-wearing, physical-distancing, and avoiding crowds, as well as handwashing).
“I would like to remind you about the importance of discipline in adhering to health protocols although the vaccine has been rolled out. We should consistently implement health protocols, including wearing masks, washing our hands, keeping a safe distance, and avoiding crowds,” he concluded. (FID/BPMI/UN) (RIF/MMB)
