TNI soldiers and police members are spearheading the battle against an invisible enemy. Even if we now have a new weapon — the COVID-19 vaccine -- prevention efforts must constantly be prioritized.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian military and police personnel are spearheading the battle to thwart the spread of COVID-19 in the country, chief of the National Defense Forces (TNI), Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, has said.



"TNI soldiers and police members are spearheading the battle against an invisible enemy. Even if we now have a new weapon — the COVID-19 vaccine -- prevention efforts must constantly be prioritized," he stated.



He made the remarks while issuing directives, along with National Police chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, to TNI soldiers and police officers at the Riau Islands Provincial Police Headquarters in Batam on Friday.



TNI soldiers and police officers have begun receiving COVID-19 jabs from March 1, 2021 as part of the second phase of vaccinations. The first phase covered healthcare workers, including those working for the military and police.



However, the vaccine is not a drug, Tjahjanto cautioned. Therefore, those who have received vaccine shots will not automatically be 100 percent immune from the coronavirus, he added.



"Having been vaccinated means that our body has become stronger to face the virus, but it is not immune against the virus,” he remarked.



The main weapon for thwarting the virus is staying disciplined in following health protocols, including wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining social distancing, he said.



Therefore, the government will continue to campaign for health protocols while, at the same time, impose restrictions on public activities at the micro level, he added.



The TNI chief further appealed to soldiers to carry out their noble duty as the vanguard in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.



To achieve that end, they can assist the COVID-19 task force in their respective regions, particularly in tracing people coming in close contact with COVID-19 patients and educating the public about the importance of preventing COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, he said.

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Translator: Syaiful Hakim/Suharto
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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