(The relevant agencies) have begun discussions. (What is taking place now) is a threat.  Whenever the threat surfaces, we always strive to produce vaccine ourselves, if possible.  That is why we are developing the research.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian government, in cooperation with relevant agencies, is conducting research to develop a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin stated.

"(The relevant agencies) have begun discussions. (What is taking place now) is a threat. Whenever the threat arises, we always strive to produce vaccine ourselves, if possible. That is why we are conducting the research," he noted in a written statement released on Thursday.

The relevant agencies involved in the research are the Health Ministry, National Board of Research and Innovation (BRIN), and several related state-owned enterprises.

The research is conducted under the coordination of BRIN and the Health Ministry and involves state-owned enterprises and ministerial and non-ministerial government institutions related to it, he revealed.

Amin pointed out that developing a COVID-19 vaccine would take a long time, adding that the government will continue to apply WHO's health protocol to contain the COVID-19 outbreak while awaiting the result of the research.

Airlangga University in Surabaya, East Java, has reportedly prepared a proposal for the research.

The university's rector, Mohammad Nasih, stated that the Institute of Tropical Diseases of Airlangga University had taken six samples of positive specimens from COVID-19 patients and is currently awaiting a permit from the Research and Development Board of the Health Ministry.

"Admittedly, the process and time is quite lengthy. However, we are upbeat about developing it after securing a permit from the Research and Development Center of the Health Ministry,” he stated. Related news: President calls to apply simple health protocol for COVID-19 outbreak
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Translator: Fransiska Ninditya/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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