TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo pushed for the Health Ministry to complete the Covid-19 vaccination program in less than one year. He said the matter was still being discussed.

“I bargain [the time to finish the vaccination] to be less than a year. Indeed, we have to work hard so that we can contain and end this pandemic soon, recover and get back to normal again,” said the President in the State Palace, Central Jakarta, Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

The Health Ministry initially targeted the completion of the immunization program within 15 months, from January 2021 to March 2022. The calculation was even much faster than the estimated time of global vaccination at 3.5 years.

Jokowi pinned hopes that the government could contain and control the pandemic as the Covid-19 vaccination begins. However, he demanded all people stay vigilant and strictly comply with the predetermined health protocols.

“Although the vaccination starts next week, I ask all to remain vigilant. Do not be careless, be disciplined in implementing the health protocols, wear masks, wash hands, do not cause crowds, and keep a distance [with each other]. Because those are the keys until the vaccination completes,” he said.

Read: President Jokowi to Receive First Dose of Covid-19 Vaccine Next Week

EGI ADYATAMA