VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

An illustration of booster vaccination drive in Lampung Province. ANTARA/Ruth Intan Sozometa Kanafi - 

Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin affirmed that multi-party cooperation, involving the public and private sectors, will expedite the government’s third or booster vaccination program against COVID-19 before the G20 Summit.

“Indonesia has started the recovery phase after being hit hard by the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The booster vaccination program is crucial for sustainable recovery while strengthening the citizens’ security against the new variant, Omicron,” Sadikin stated during a press release received here on Saturday.

In 2021, the minister had worked closely with some private technology companies for building the first drive-through vaccine center in Southeast Asia.

“We all have seen the concrete role of technology in boosting the efficacy of vaccination distribution. Hence, we welcome further partnership for the second booster vaccination distribution process with the technology company,” he noted.

Currently, the two private technology companies are cooperating again with the government to distribute the booster vaccination targeting tens of thousands of citizens categorized as prioritized and vulnerable groups as well as online ride-sharing partners in Bali.

“The increase in immunity among members of the public is very important for Bali that will host the G20 Presidency and welcome the guests from various countries. We expect the initiatives of Grab and Good Doctor to help encourage other private sectors to ensure the success of Indonesia’s vaccination program,” Sadikin highlighted.

Bali’s transportation service head IGW, Samsi Gunarta, remarked that the provision of booster vaccination was right on time since the province will host several meetings related to Indonesia’s G20 Presidency this year, especially the G20 Summit next October.

“Bali’s administration has commenced various preparations to host the 2022 G20 Summit that is expected to revive the economy in this Island of Gods. The booster vaccination from the private sector for tourism and MSMEs players will have very good long-term impacts, not only in terms of health protection for workers in such key sectors but also for the national and international guests, who will visit Bali,” he remarked//ANT