President Jokowi Inspects Mass Vaccination for Artists in Yogyakarta

President Jokowi inspecting mass vaccination for artists and cultural practitioners, Wednesday (10/03/2021) at Bagong Kussudiarja Art Center in Kembaran sub-village, Tamantirto village, Kasihan sub-district, Bantul regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. (Source: Screenshot of Presidential Secretariat YouTube Channel)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday (10/03) inspected mass COVID-19 vaccination for artists and cultural practitioners.

The vaccination took place at Bagong Kussudiardja Art Center in Kembaran sub-village, Tamantirto village, Kasihan sub-district, Bantul regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta.

As many as 517 artists and cultural practitioners joined the vaccination, which was held with strict health protocols and divided into two sessions, morning and afternoon sessions.

After the inspection, the Head of State announced that the vaccination went well.

“This morning a vaccination was carried out for 517 artists, including musicians, dance artists, fine artists, painters, traditional artists, and modern artists. They were all vaccinated and thank God, everything went well,” he said.

The President acknowledged that the COVID-19 pandemic is not an easy situation for art workers, while expressing hope that workers in the art and culture field must stay motivated and continue to work.

“We must stay motivated so that those who work in the art field have the spirit to work. Despite the pandemic and restrictions, they do not stop creating art,” he said, while expressing hope that the vaccination can protect artists and cultural practitioners.

Meanwhile, Head of Bagong Kussudiardja Art Center Foundation Butet Kartaredjasa expressed appreciation for the attention that the Government has shown to artists and cultural practitioners, who have two of the most-affected professions in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“On behalf of the artists, I’d like to thank the Government for the (mass vaccination) event this morning. I am truly proud,” said Butet.

During the inspection, the President also watched art and culture shows, namely performance of songs titled ‘Vaccine for the Country’ and ‘Health Protocols’, as well as a dance performance titled ‘Petruk Gets Vaccinated’.

Joining the President on the inspection were Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartanto who also helms the COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Working Committee, and Governor of Special Region of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X. (FID/UN) (DH/EP)