Vaccination; Health Minister Clarifies Official's Aggressive Statement
Translator
Ricky Mohammad Nugraha
Editor
Mahinda Arkyasa
Kamis, 14 Januari 2021 16:17 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin responded to the criticism from the House of Representatives (DPR) regarding the government’s strategy on communicating the Covid-19 vaccination program.
In a House hearing with Commission IX legislators on Thursday, January 14, 2021, Budi admitted that the government should avert from 'threatening tactics' to enforce the vaccination program and use a more persuasive and reassuring way instead.
Budi Gunadi also acknowledged the controversy arising from the statement made by deputy minister of law and human rights Eddy Hiariej who said jail time and fines will be handed to people opposing the vaccination program or commonly dubbed as "anti-vaxxers."
The Health Minister claimed that he had addressed his concerns about this forceful communication strategy directly to the deputy minister during a Cabinet Meeting.
"I understand that there is one deputy minister who said things that seem like a threat and we have discussed this at the Cabinet level," said Budi Gunadi in the House hearing.
