VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian government received 1.2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Sinovac, Sunday night (06/12).

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in his speech delivered virtually on Sunday night, said the Sinovac vaccine had been clinically tested in Bandung since last August 2020.

In addition to the 1.2 million doses of vaccine that have just arrived in Indonesia, President Joko Widodo said the government is still working on 1.8 million doses of the vaccine which will arrive in early January 2021.

The President also added, besides the finished vaccine, 15 million dosages will also arrive in December, and in January 2021 there will be 30 million doses of vaccine in bulk raw materials which will be further processed by Bio Farma.

In his remarks, President Jokowi also expressed his gratitude for the COVID-19 vaccine.

"We are very grateful. Alhamdulillah, the vaccine is available, meaning that we can immediately prevent the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. But to start vaccination still requires steps from the Food and Drug Administration (BPOM)," the President said.

Apart from delivering the good news about the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine, President Jokowi also emphasized several things related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

"And I need to emphasize. First, all procedures must be followed properly in order to ensure public health and safety as well as vaccine effectiveness," Jokowi said.

"Scientific considerations, the results of this clinical trial will determine when vaccination can be started. Second, the vaccine distribution system to the regions, this is very important as well as supporting equipment, human resources, and vaccination management," he added.

"Third, because it is not possible to vaccinate simultaneously for all residents, I hope all parties will follow the announcements and instructions from the officers who are currently preparing vaccinations," he closed.

At the end of his remarks, President Jokowi advised that even though vaccines were available, the public was asked to remain disciplined in carrying out health protocols, namely wearing masks, maintaining distance, and washing hands. (VOI)