TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy in a statement on Wednesday announced that the Indonesian government has began the Covid-19 vaccination for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, as well as children aged 12-18 years.

“The government is really concerned and has shown extra attention for pregnant mothers, babies, and children and protecting them from Covid-19. This is proven by the vaccination administered for them,” Muhadjir wrote in his statement on June 30.

Citing the national data collected by the Covid-19 handling task force as of June 29, there are 12.6 percent of children who were exposed to the coronavirus, 2.9 percent among the 0-5 years old demographic and 9.7 percent among those aged between 6-18.

He mentioned the lack of study regarding the long term effects of Covid-19 infection on babies and children, including the risk and its effect towards Indonesia’s future human resources.

The minister, therefore, supported the National Child Protection Commission (KPAI) to partner with the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) to conduct a study regarding that matter.

“Indonesia’s future depends on the newborns and these children. Therefore, I declare my utmost support for [the study] initiated by the KPAI that focuses on the Covid-19 effects on children,” said the Minister.

Read: West Java Records Highest Number of Covid-19 Cases among Children

EGI ADYATAMA