Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at National COVID-19 Vaccination Program Kick-off Event, 13 January 2021 at the State Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good afternoon,

May peace be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greetings of virtue.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow countrypersons,

A moment ago, I just received vaccine injection along with representatives from medical workers, religious figures, market traders, entrepreneurs, labors, and teachers.

There are Chairperson of the Indonesian Medical Associations (IDI) Daeng M. Faqih, representing health sector, Kiai Ishomuddin (Chairperson of the Executive Body of Nahdlatul Ulama), and Secretary General of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and Muhammadiyah intellectual Amirsyah Tambunan, representing religious figures.

There are also Chairperson of the Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) Prof. Unifah Rosyidi, as well as Chairperson of the Indonesian Nurses Association (PPNI) Harif F, Secretary General of the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) Ade Jubaedah, and a representative of labors, Agustini Setiyorini.

In addition, there are also representatives from the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI), the Indonesian Hindu Religious Council (PHDI), the Indonesian Buddhist Association (Permabudhi), and the Indonesian Confucian Supreme Council (Matakin).

Narti, a market trader at Gading Traditional Market, and Nur Fauzah from the Jakarta Health Agency are also among those receiving the vaccine.

After today’s vaccination, the program will be carried on to all provinces, regencies, and cities across the country.

The first vaccination is commenced after the issuance of Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Indonesian Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) and halal (permissible under Islamic law) fatwa (edict) from the MUI. On that regard, allow me to deliver my highest appreciation.

The COVID-19 vaccination is pivotal to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, to protect our health and safety, and to help speed up economic recovery.

Although the vaccine has been rolled out, I remind you the importance of maintaining discipline in adhering to health protocols. We should consistently implement the health protocols, including wearing masks, washing hands, maintaining a safe distance, and avoiding crowds.

I conclude this remarks on this auspicious opportunity. I would like to thank Prof. dr. Abdul Muthalib who gave the first shot to me.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.