Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Arrival of COVID-19 Vaccine at Soekarno Hatta International Airport Sunday, 6 December 2020 from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

May peace be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greeting of virtue.

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I want to deliver a good news for you. Today, the Government received 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine which was manufactured by Sinovac has undergone clinical testing in Bandung since August 2020. We also try to procure 1.8 million doses of vaccine which is predicted to arrive in January 2021.

Besides the finished product, we will receive bulk raw materials for 15 million doses of vaccine this month and 30 million doses in January; the materials will later be processed by Bio Farma.

We are very grateful that the vaccine is available, thus we can immediately curb the spread of COVID-19. Nevertheless, it must go through several stages conducted by the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) before starting the vaccination.

I need to underline several points of note,

First, all procedures must be followed well to ensure the health and safety of the people, as well as to ensure effectiveness of the vaccine. Scientific inputs, results of clinical testing will decide when the vaccination can begin.

Second, a system in distributing vaccine to regions is crucial. Supporting equipment, human resources, and management of vaccination are also important. In the past couple of months, we have made preparations through simulations in several provinces. I believe everything will be ready once it is decided to start the vaccination.

Third, since we cannot vaccinate all people at the same time, the public must pay attention to the announcement and follow instructions of the officials.

Lastly, though the vaccine is now available, we must always follow the health protocols, namely wearing face mask, maintaining safe distance, washing hands.

May God the Almighty bless us to get us through this pandemic.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahamatullahi wabarakatuh

Translated by Rany Anjany S
Reviewed by Mia Medyana B