Manokwari (ANTARA) - Indonesia Defense Forces (TNI) Commander General Andika Perkasa supervised the implementation of the third day of mass vaccination held by the TNI and the West Papuan government at the Borasi Field, Manokwari, West Papua.

Perkasa paid a visit to Manokwari to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccination program in West Papua ran smoothly in line with TNI's commitment to synergizing with the government regarding the vaccination program.

"One of my agendas in Manokwari is to witness the implementation of vaccinations. We also continue to educate the public of the TNI's readiness to serve the people in West Papua, especially those who have not been vaccinated," Perkasa noted on Thursday.

In addition to TNI's main duties as the front line of national defense, the Indonesian Military also shows its concern for the immunity of Indonesian citizens during COVID-19. To this end, TNI supports the government's agenda to build herd immunity by vaccinating 70 percent of the population in each region, Perkasa stated.

"We convey to West Papua's residents that COVID-19 vaccination is still available both through mass vaccination or at the TNI health center in this region," he noted.

Related news: Indonesia remains vigilant of Omicron threat during holiday season

Perkasa did not deny the fact that the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination was hindered by a group of people not keen to be vaccinated.

"If there are some people not keen to receive vaccination, it is alright. Our vaccination service is still open. We can educate them and if anytime, they change their mind, they can still get the vaccine because we have sufficient vaccine stocks," Perkasa stated.

He also lauded the enthusiasm of Manokwari's residents, who visited the mass vaccination site at the Borasi Field during the fifth anniversary of XVIII Military Area Command in Kasuari, West Papua.

"Their enthusiasm is extraordinary. I see that several residents just received the first dose. This means our public awareness has slowly grown. All ranks of the TNI in the region will also continue to disseminate information on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination," he concluded.

Related news: No one to be left behind in COVID recovery: Hartarto

Translator: Hans Arnold K, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021