Vaccine Distribution in Riau Islands Well Managed, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi inspects the implementation of mass COVID-19 vaccination program held at PT Bintan Inti Industrial Estate (BIIE), Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Wednesday (19/5). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat Press Bureau/Muchlis Jr)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo assessed that the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Riau Islands Province has been well managed.

The President made the statement after inspecting the implementation of mass COVID-19 vaccination program at PT Bintan Inti Industrial Estate (BIIE), Bintan Regency, Riau Islands, Wednesday (19/5).

“The distribution of vaccines has become a problem here since it is an archipelagic province, making it difficult to reach those remote islands. For instance, the distance from here to Natuna Islands or from here to Anambas Islands is not short. However, I see the distribution is well managed,” he said.

The President expressed hope that the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines in the province can protect the community from the disease.

“We hope the vaccination will immediately protect the community from the spread of COVID-19. We also hope that we can quickly achieve herd immunity to stop, reduce, and prevent COVID-19 transmission as quickly as possible,” the President said.

For the record, the implementation of mass vaccination in Riau Islands is carried out in 67 locations targeting approximately 15,500 people.

On that occasion, the President ordered Riau Islands Governor to coordinate with Minister of Health to secure the supply of vaccines for vaccination program in the province.

“We hope that in the future, I told the Governor that if the vaccine runs out, go call Minister of Health immediately so that the supply will be maintained to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Riau Islands Province,” he concluded. (FID/UN) (RIF/MMB)