VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) instructed related ministries and agencies to most favorably conduct nationwide COVID-19 vaccination simulations before the government's first phase of the COVID-19 vaccination program, scheduled in the third week of December 2020.

"I observed a COVID-19 vaccination simulation at the Tanah Sereal Public Health Center in Bogor City on November 18, 2020. It has run well, and I want it to be continued," the president stated at a limited cabinet meeting here, Monday.

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, the committee members, and ministers partook in the meeting that highlighted the National Committee for Handling COVID-19 Pandemic and Economic Recovery's report.

President Jokowi spoke of his intent to again observe one or two other simulations to ensure that all aspects concerning the vaccination program were thoroughly prepared.

"The most important aspect that I think should be monitored and evaluated pertains to the distribution mechanism of the COVID-19 vaccine to ensure that vaccine supplies can reach all targeted areas safely and smoothly," he stated.

At the meeting, President Jokowi also sought reports on the government's vaccine procurement.

The novel coronavirus disease initially emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan at the end of 2019 and thereafter spread worldwide, including to the nations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Indonesia made an official announcement on the country's first confirmed cases on March 2 this year.

The Indonesian government has consistently expressed confidence in the potential of the COVID-19 vaccines for helping win the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic that has posed a grave threat to public health and the economy.

Over the past few months, the government has made all-out efforts to secure potential COVID-19 vaccines for Indonesians through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The government is also supporting research efforts towards developing the country's own COVID-19 vaccine, Merah Putih (Red and White), named after the colors of the national flag.

Moreover, Indonesia is cooperating with China and the United Kingdom for the procurement and supply of COVID-19 vaccine candidates.

An Indonesian delegation secured access to COVID-19 vaccines from China during a meeting with representatives from Cansino, G42, Sinopharm, and Sinovac in China on October 10 this year. (Antaranews)