This is part of the efforts to meet the rights of indigenous people as a part of the Republic of Indonesia and can open health access for the entire indigenous group in Indonesia.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology supports COVID-19 vaccination for indigenous people in Indonesia.

"The initiative to vaccinate indigenous people was brought up through a coordination meeting that involves ministries, institutions, related regional governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGO)," Director of the Ministry's Beliefs in One Almighty God and Cultural Affairs Sjamsul Hadi noted in his statement here on Thursday.

Hadi remarked that for vaccinating the Baduy indigenous people, the ministry was collaborating with the government of Lebak District, Mandalawangi, Banten; the Baduy People Association (PUB); University of Indonesia's Faculty of Medicine; Indonesian Doctor Association; and The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

COVID-19 vaccination for indigenous people had received a positive response from various related parties, he pointed out.

Related news: Indigenous communities can use alternative ID to receive vaccine

Indigenous people are a group of individuals considered to be prone to contracting COVID-19 infection due to their interactions with people coming in and out of their territory, he stated.

"Vaccination is part of the efforts to ensure that the indigenous people or community as well as their future generations can survive the pandemic to conduct their daily activities, especially in preserving indigenous territories," he elaborated.

Vaccination for the indigenous people was also expected to break the cycle and prevent the spread of COVID-19, Hadi noted.

"This is part of the efforts to meet the rights of indigenous people as a part of the Republic of Indonesia and can open health access for the entire indigenous group in Indonesia," he affirmed.

In addition to vaccination, other activities being held comprised conducting tree seed planting; providing health supporting facilities, such as mask, hand washing soap, and vitamins; and offering education supporting facilities for indigenous people.

Related news: ID criteria slowing vaccine access, say indigenous communities

Translator: Indriani, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Suharto
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