Measles Rubella Vaccination Allowed by Ulema Council, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi comments on the rejection against Measles Rubella Vaccination to reporters after launching the vaccination campaign in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, Tuesday (1/8). (Photo: Agung/Public Relations Division)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reiterated that vaccination against Measles Rubella (MR) diseases is very important for children. According to the President, he has also instructed Minister of Health Nila F. Moeloek to explain the impacts if children are not vaccinated.

The impacts are, among others, blindness, deafness, brain disorder, and health disorder, the President said. “The impacts are huge. Therefore, we want to begin the MR Vaccination Program starting today so our children can be prevented from contracting diseases as stated by the Health Minister,” President Jokowi told reporters after launching the MR Vaccination Campaign at Sleman 10 Public Islamic Junior High School (Madrasah Tsanawiyah) in Sinduharjo Sub-District, Ngaglik District, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Province, Tuesday (1/8).

The statement came following the rejection against the vaccination in a number of areas. President Jokowi asserted that according to the fatwa (edict) issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), it is said that the vaccination is categorized as ‘mubah’ (permitted) as the benefits that the vaccination brings are far greater than its harms.

The President also said that Minister of Health would explain more about the rejection against the vaccination. “We’ve just launched the campaign and begun providing the vaccines. So matters that are not clear yet will be explained,” the President said.

President Jokowi went on to say that he has told Minister of Education and Culture, Minister of Religious Affairs, and Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture to explain more about the vaccination and the diseases. “Many people are not aware yet of these MR diseases,” the President said.

Regarding criminal sanctions imposed to those who reject the vaccination, President Jokowi called on participation from the people to be willing to have children vaccinated.

“That’s what I can say. Once again, the vaccination is aimed at protecting our children from the diseases,” the President concluded. (DNA/AGG/ES)  (EP/YM/Naster)