Once again, free vaccines for the people become proof of the presence of the state, a representation of the government's responsibility, and a mandate of our constitutional order
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government’s move to provide free COVID-19 vaccines is proof of the state’s presence and implementation of constitutional orders, Marwan Jafar, member of Commission VI of the House of Representatives, said.

“Once again, free vaccines for the people become proof of the presence of the state, a representation of the government's responsibility, and a mandate of our constitutional order,” Marwan said in a statement released in Jakarta on Friday.

Marwan praised President Joko Widodo's policy directing all levels of the cabinet and regional governments to prioritize the vaccination program in the 2021 fiscal year.

He had earlier reiterated the need for the COVID-19 vaccine to be made free of charge, especially for the poor.

"Two months ago or in early October, 2020, I have reminded several times how important it is from rapid tests to the COVID-19 vaccine to be prioritized for free for poor people," Marwan said.

He had earlier raised the matter during a hearing of the House of Representatives' Commission VI with the directors of PT Kimia Farma, Biofarma, Indofarma, and Phapros (October 5, 2020).

In addition, he had said, another thing that is no less important is the safety of vaccines, especially from a scientific perspective. For instance, using vaccines that have gone through the third stage of clinical trials, he elaborated.

"Even though a vaccine is a kind of ultimate weapon to break the chain of viruses during a pandemic," he added.

Furthermore, the government should explain the availability, mechanism, and distribution of vaccines, Marwan said.

For the sake of a smooth and successful COVID-19 vaccination program, the direction and flow of communication or information from the government to the public must be clear and correct, he observed.

Thus, the confusion of information must be avoided as optimally as possible, he advised.

The Indonesian government will reallocate the 2021 ministerial and institutional budget for the procurement of free COVID-19 vaccines for the public.

"I also instruct the finance minister to prioritize budget reallocation for the procurement of free vaccination," President Widodo stated at the Merdeka Palace here on Wednesday.

"There is no reason for the public to not get vaccinated," he emphasized.

The head of state said the government decided to provide free COVID-19 vaccines to the public after receiving several inputs from the community.

"After re-calculating the state’s financial standing, I can confirm that the COVID-19 vaccine would be offered free of charge to the public," he stated. (INE)


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EDITED BY INE

Translator: Imam B, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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