Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on Vaccination for Children, 28 June 2021, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Peace and prosperity be upon us all.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

On this auspicious occasion, I would like to express my highest appreciation for the achievement of 1.3 million vaccinations last Saturday, 26 June 2021. It is faster than the initial target of one million vaccinations per day, which has been set to start in July 2021. This achievement is thanks to the hard work and mutual cooperation of all elements, especially Ministry of Health, the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the National Police (Polri), regional governments, State-Owned Enterprises, and private parties, as well as the people who are willing to get vaccinated.

I remind you all that we must continue to work hard so that the target of one million vaccinations per day can be maintained until the end of July and we can double it by August 2021, to achieve two million doses per day.

Esteemed Guests,

We are also grateful that the BPOM (Indonesian Food and Drug Administration) has issued an emergency use authorization for the Sinovac Vaccine, which is declared safe for use for children aged 12-17 years old, so that vaccination for children of those particular ages can start immediately.

And, to suppress the spread of COVID-19, it can only be done through joint efforts. For that reason, I ask you, ladies and gentlemen, all of us, not to hesitate to get vaccinated and to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols (wearing face masks, maintaining safe distance, washing hands). And, once again I remind you to stay at home unless you have an urgent need.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (FI/MUR)