"We have SOEs and domestic companies that have the ability to build vaccine factories," said Hasan in a written statement received by ANTARA here on Thursday.
By optimizing the capacity of SOEs and domestic companies, Indonesia can become more independent in obtaining vaccines and reduce its dependence on vaccines from other countries, he stated.
The quality of vaccines produced in the country can compete with the quality of imported vaccines, he opined.
Given this potential, Hasan said, the government must focus on developing and prioritizing domestic vaccines.
"Why should we develop foreign products, while we have domestic vaccine products?" he asked.
He underlined the importance for the government to establish policies that favor the development of vaccines in the country and assist the development of the Nusantara vaccine, which was initiated by former health minister Dr. Terawan.
Hasan said that Turkey had even expressed interest in ordering the Nusantara vaccine. This potential could be an opportunity for Indonesia to play a role in meeting global vaccine needs, he added.
"Turkey has been interested in the vaccine that was initiated by Dr. Terawan. Various sources say that they even plan to order 52 million Nusantara vaccines," Hasan said.
Given that potential, Hasan reminded the government of the need to focus more on developing the Nusantara vaccine as a form of appreciation for domestically produced vaccines.
"We have capabilities and resources that are competitive with foreign products," Hasan said.
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Translator: Putu Indah Savitri, Katriana
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
