We are optimistic of the BPOM soon issuing the emergency user authorization.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Drug and Food Control Agency (BPOM) awaits clinical test result for COVID-19 vaccine and data from China's Sinovac Biotech before issuing vaccine authorization, COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery Working Committee Chairperson Airlangga Hartarto stated.

"We are optimistic of the BPOM soon issuing the emergency user authorization, and now, it still awaits data from Sinovac and the result of clinical trial conducted in Bandung (West Java) and Brazil scheduled for completion on December 15," Hartarto, concurrently the coordinating minister for economic affairs, noted on the sidelines of the Bisnis Indonesia Award 2020 here on Monday.

Hartarto remarked that the availability of 1.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine was expected to emerge as a game changer to cut the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and encourage economic recovery.

"Indonesia has continued to boost economic recovery by maintaining a balance between COVID-19 handling and economic recovery," he remarked.

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The coordinating minister for economic affairs expressed belief that the vaccine will additionally increase public confidence to resume activities and drive full economic recovery.

The COVID-19 recovery rate in Indonesia has reached 82.21 percent as of now, higher than the global average, indicating that pandemic handling in the country has run on the right path.

Hartarto believed that the country would be able to realize full economic recovery in 2021 if it were to strike a balance between 3T or testing, tracing, and treatment and 3M, or wearing mask, washing hands, and physical distancing.

"We have to continue to adhere to health protocols. The government believes that 2021 will become a year for recovery. The year of opportunity for the national economy to move," he affirmed.

In 2021, Indonesia will receive 1.8 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine ready for administering, while in December 2020, another 15 million doses of the vaccine will arrive in the form of raw materials to be further processed by state-run vaccine manufacturer Bio Farma for production. (INE)

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Translator: Astrid FH, Sri Haryati
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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