He delivered the remarks during the launch of the ‘One Million Booster Vaccines’ event, jointly organized by the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), the police, and the Religious Affairs Ministry at the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board Headquarters here on Thursday.
His remarks were in reference to the global situation, particularly in China, where the government has imposed a lockdown due to another spike in COVID-19 cases. In Indonesia, in the past two years, cases have increased after Eid celebrations.
To prevent a spike in cases after Eid celebrations, as many vaccines as possible must be administered, Prabowo said.
Currently, the national average for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination is 95 percent. However, according to President Joko Widodo's directives, people must get booster vaccinations three months after completing their primary vaccinations.
"We all have to do this to ensure that when people go to their hometowns, stay in touch with their families, all of them can have a much better rate of immunity," he said.
People who have received booster vaccines would not become virus carriers when they travel to their hometowns or spread the infection among older people, he added.
Now is the chance to get the booster vaccine, he stressed.
The National Police has launched a program for administering one million vaccines simultaneously. Prior to Ramadan, the target could be met, but as soon as Ramadan began, the figure dropped to an average of 700 thousand.
He admitted that the National Police faced problems in conducting COVID-19 vaccinations. They mostly pertained to people debating the pros and cons of getting vaccinated and concerns over whether vaccinations were permissible during Ramadan or not.
However, these problems were resolved owing to a collaboration with PBNU and the Religious Affairs Ministry. As a result, the number of booster vaccinations administered reached 1.3 million doses.
The Nahdlatul Ulama helped dispel doubts surrounding vaccinations during Ramadan, he said.
He cited the cooperation and solidarity of people as the reasons that Indonesia has been ranked first in Southeast Asia in terms of the number of vaccinations administered, and fourth or fifth globally.
In order to ensure a safe and comfortable Eid Exodus this year, people need to get the booster shot and adhere to the health protocols, he said. It is also advisable to leave for homecoming at least three days prior to Eid to avoid getting caught in traffic jams.
The government has predicted that 85 million people across Indonesia will participate in the Eid exodus this year. Of the total figure, 23 million will use four-wheeled private vehicles and 17 million will use motorbikes. While the resumption of homecoming travel has brought cheer, it has also raised some concerns, including the potential for an increase in COVID-19 cases after Eid as well as traffic congestion due to the sheer number of vehicles joining the exodus, particularly those traveling to West Java, Central Java and East Java.
To anticipate these issues, especially congestion, the police force has prepared traffic engineering plans such as a one-way system coupled with the odd-even rule on toll roads, and a contraflow scheme. The public has been informed of the traffic regulation schedule.
Related news: People must get booster shot before Eid exodus: task force
Prabowo also urged people to be well-prepared before joining the Eid exodus so they do not get stuck in traffic jams, including by leaving early, avoiding departure during peak days (D-3, D-2, and D-1), and using alternative routes, such as the southern lane.
He also urged people to use public transportation such as trains. Based on the results of a review at Senen Station on Wednesday, PT KAI has added another 20 thousand seats per day.
“So, there are additional slots of 20 thousand seats per day. This can become one alternative so people can be comfortable during the Eid exodus. (People can have their motorcycle transported on the train), or (they) can also use alternatives routes. Like on North Coast (Pantura) or those facilitated in cities, so we could (lessen traffic congestion)," he said.
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Choumas and general chairperson of Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board, Yahya Cholil Staquf, were present during the one-million vaccination event on Thursday.
Related news: COVID-19 booster vaccination points to be opened at Jakarta terminals
Translator: Laily Rahmawaty, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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