As disclosed in a written statement here Friday, Girsang explained that he made the suggestion after taking note of several problems the regional governments have frequently faced in accelerating the vaccinations.
The problems include the issue of vaccine stock availability from the central government due to a flawed vaccine stock data system, residents' hesitation to get vaccinated, and other non-technical issues, he said.
By transferring the authority to the police, vaccine distribution can be done in a more orderly, more accurate, and more secure manner and the possibility of vaccine misuse can be curbed, he expounded.
Related news: Military-police synergy paramount to optimal handling of COVID-19: TNI
With the police serving as the front line manager, vaccination efforts will be more coordinated, and that would also help build communication from the provincial level all the way to the villages, he added.
Transferring the authority from the regional governments to the police will require budget reallocation as well as a greenlight from the central government, Girsang remarked.
The coordinator of the public activity restrictions (PPKM), with the President's permission, should draw up a memorandum of understanding with the police chief regarding the deadline for comprehensive vaccinations, he said.
"Of course, the police have to make an official report concerning the accountability of their work results," he remarked.
According to the COVID-19 Handling Task Force, 22.2 million Indonesians have received the second dose of the vaccine as of Thursday.
The government is seeking to vaccinate at least 181.5 million Indonesians or 70 percent of the country's total population to reach herd immunity.
Related news: Armed forces, police rope in to boost vaccination of Biak residents
Translator: Imam Budilaksono, Fadhli R
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
