VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is optimistic that COVID-19 vaccines would arrive in late November or December this year.

"Regarding the vaccines, we are upbeat about these vaccines arriving at the end of November. We will try. If it cannot be done, then they will come in December," Jokowi remarked during a visit to Tanah Sareal Puskesmas, or community health center, here on Wednesday.

Accompanied by Minister of Health Terawan Agus Putranto and Mayor of Bogor Aria Bima, the president remarked that the vaccines, expected to arrive, could be in the form of finished vaccine or raw materials to be processed at state-owned pharmaceutical company Bio Farma Bandung.

The head of state emphasized that all vaccines to be administered must be registered on the vaccine list at the World Health Organization (WHO). "This is mandatory," he affirmed.

The vaccines are purchased from companies, whose brands are registered with the WHO, he pointed out.

"I did not mention the brands, but they must be on the WHO list," he stated.

After the arrival and receipt of vaccines in Indonesia, they will undergo several stages in the Indonesian Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) prior to being allowed for administration.

"An emergency user is still needed, and this stage will take about three weeks," he remarked.

Only after obtaining permission from the BPOM will the vaccination be conducted.

"However, I have also mentioned that these scientific principles must be followed," he noted.

The president emphasized that implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination must prioritize the factors of safety and security of people. (Antaranews)