We hope that other areas, districts, or cities would emulate the model implemented in Bekasi, so that vaccinations can be conducted on a massive scale
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) arrived at Bekasi City's Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium in West Java, Monday, to witness up-close the mass COVID-19 vaccination drive for senior citizens, public servants, workers, disabled individuals, and the general public.

The head of state arrived in the area at around 8:30 a.m. local time and was welcomed by Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, and Bekasi City's Deputy Mayor Rahmat Efendi.

Upon arrival, Widodo visited the initial screening booth for vaccine recipients and monitored the vaccination process.

President Jokowi, also former DKI Jakarta governor, greeted the health workers and vaccine recipients, in response to which several of them seized the opportunity to take pictures with him whilst maintaining strict health protocols.

According to the Bekasi mayor’s report, some 10 thousand residents had signed up for the COVID-19 vaccination service at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium complex on Monday.

"We hope that other areas, districts, or cities would emulate the model implemented in Bekasi, so that vaccinations can be conducted on a massive scale," the president remarked.

The expansion of mass vaccination services is expected to expedite the realization of herd immunity against COVID-19.

"We are optimistic of being able to stop the spread of COVID-19," he stated.

The government plans to conduct vaccinations against COVID-19 for 181.5 million citizens, or some 70 percent of the entire Indonesian populace, in a bid to attain herd immunity. Vaccinations are targeted for completion in 2021.



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Translator: Indra Arief Pribadi/Aria Cindy
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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