Indonesia Receives AstraZeneca Vaccine from France

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi delivers press statement on the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines batch 55, Friday (10/9). (Photo captured from Secretariat President YouTube channel)

The Government, Friday (10/9), received 358,700 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the Government of France through the COVAX mechanism in a bid to speed up national vaccination drive.

“Thank God, today Indonesia received 358,700 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine through multilateral cooperation scheme, COVAX Facility. Today’s arrival marks the first batch of dose-sharing commitment from the Government of France out of the total amount of 3 million doses,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said in a press statement on the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines, Friday (10/9).

The Minister also expressed her appreciation to the Government of France for its support to Indonesia in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.

She went on to say that the Indonesian Government will also continue to procure vaccines in addition to those received from the COVAX Facility and friendly countries.

“In fact, 615,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine and 639,990 doses of Pfizer vaccine that we have procured have also arrived today,” she said adding that today’s arrival has added the total dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Indonesia, both in bulk and ready-to-use forms, to 225.54 million doses.

Also on that occasion, Retno told the public that Indonesia still has to face many challenges to handle the pandemic. In that regard, she ensured that the Ministry will continue to make diplomatic efforts at securing vaccines needed for national vaccination drive and promote equal access to vaccines for all countries.

During this battle, supports from the people by participating in national vaccination program and adhering to health protocols are fundamental.

“Let’s get vaccinated. Keep adhering to health protocols! With our join efforts, cooperation, discipline, and unity, we can exit the pandemic,” she said.

In the meantime, French Ambassador to Indonesia Olivier Chambard affirmed the commitment to support Indonesia’s national vaccination drive.

“France is committed to support its close partner, Indonesia, in national vaccination drive. France stands along with its strategic partner, Indonesia, to continue the fight against COVID-19,” Olivier said. (FID/UN) (RAS/MMB)