Jakarta (ANTARA) - Development of the Red and White vaccine, named after Indonesia's national flag, has reached 30-40 percent completion until now, and it is projected to be produced by mid-2021, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated.

Currently, the national consortium developing the indigenous vaccine is in the process of producing vaccine seeds, Jokowi remarked while delivering a virtual briefing to governors from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, on Tuesday.

"The Red and White vaccine is being developed by our national consortium that involves the Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, several universities, and also research institutions. Currently, the Red and White vaccine is in the stage of producing vaccine seeds," he explained.

The Red and White vaccine was developed by a domestic consortium based on a virus strain found in Indonesia.

"It is planned to be clinically tested early next year. Insha Allah, it would be ready for production in mid-2021," he remarked.

In accordance with the short-term plan, Indonesia has secured a commitment of 20-30 million doses of vaccine by the end of 2020. In 2021, Indonesia will receive a supply of up to 290 million doses of the vaccine.

"Thereafter, until the end of 2021, we will also receive an average commitment of 290 million doses of vaccines," he stated

The head of state reminded governors to remain focused on controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in their respective regions prior to vaccination.

"I urge the governors to control the spread of COVID-19 and to remain focused and concentrate on the task at hand. This is since we need to strengthen our immunity until all our people get vaccinated," he added.

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Translator: Indra Arief P, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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