The Indonesian government is very thankful for the donations from the partnering countriesJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia received 4.5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines that came as donation from France and Germany as well as through direct purchase.
Minister of Communication and Informatics Johnny G. Plate noted that Indonesia's large population necessitates an abundance of vaccines.
"Therefore, from the start, the Indonesian Government has made diplomatic efforts in order to quickly and smoothly get vaccine access," the minister noted in a press statement on Thursday.
The vaccines that arrived on Wednesday came in three stages namely stage 164, 165, and 166.
The 164th consignment, which arrived at 10 a.m. local time, was a direct purchase that comprised 1,116,180 doses of Pfizer vaccines.
The donation from the German government arrived in the 165th stage at 13:40 p.m. local time comprising 2,389,400 Moderna vaccines delivered through COVAX.
The 166th arrival on 22:15 p.m. local time was a form of donation from the French government through COVAX that contained 1,054,400 Moderna vaccines.
"The Indonesian government is very thankful for the donations from partnering countries," Plate remarked.
Official at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany Thomas Graf noted that the vaccines that came on that day was the first stage of the total donation of 5,077,400 Moderna vaccines.
The second stage is scheduled to arrive on Christmas evening, December 24.
"With this donation, Germany provides support to Indonesia and its vaccination program. Together, we fight COVID-19," Graf noted in the press statement.
The entire consignment of vaccines that had arrived will be utilized to meet the public's vaccine requirements.
Success in receiving vaccines is the most important aspect within the national vaccination program to protect Indonesian citizens from COVID-19.
Once vaccine availability is secured, Plate believes that the target to vaccinate the population to build herd immunity could be achieved more quickly.
"Of course, what is also important is the role and support of the public, including by inviting and encouraging acquaintances, colleagues, and relatives, who have not been vaccinated, to do so immediately," he added.
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Translator: Natisha A, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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