Presidential Staffer Calls For Priority COVID-19 Vaccination for Persons with Disabilities in Bali

Presidential Special Staffer Angkie Yudistia talks with Deputy Governor of Bali Cok Ace, at the Office of Deputy Governor of Bali Province, Denpasar, Bali, Monday (21/06). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

In a series of her working visits to several cities in Java and Bali, Presidential Special Staffer Angkie Yudistia, on Monday (21/6), met with Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati (Cok Ace) at his office to discuss priority COVID-19 vaccination for persons with disabilities in Bali.

“There are three points that we discussed with the Deputy Governor, first, according to the Circular of Minister of Health, vaccination for persons with disabilities can be prioritized,” Angkie said after the meeting.

Angkie stated that based on the Circular of Minister of Health Number HK.02.01/MENKES/598/2021 on the Acceleration of the Implementation of COVID-19 Vaccination for the Elderly, People with Disabilities, Educators, and Education Personnel, persons with disabilities can be served in all health facilities or vaccination centers, not limited to the domicile address stated in the residential ID card.

The Presidential Staffer addressed economic issues during the meeting, especially on finding the right scheme to help persons with disabilities during the pandemic. The scheme should be adjusted to the regional autonomy policy of Bali.

Angkie and the Deputy Governor also discussed support for the National Disability Commission which will be established by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo based on the mandate of Law Number 8 of 2016 on Persons with Disabilities.

Furthermore, Angkie stated that President Jokowi has also ratified seven government regulations and two presidential regulations as the implementing regulations of Law Number 8 of 2016. In this regard, she added, the President ordered that these regulations be implemented in accordance with the autonomy of each region so that the benefits can be felt by persons with disabilities.

“This follow-up plan is a matter of synergy; the Central Government and regional governments can synergize with each other. Once again, it shall be adjusted to the autonomy of each region, the leadership of each region,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor has committed to prioritizing vaccination for persons with disabilities in Bali as well as vaccination for the elderly.

For the record, the 2019 data of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the number of persons with disabilities in Indonesia reaches more than 30 million people while around 580,000 of them are residing in Bali. (SND/AIT/UN) (FI/LW)