TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Jakarta provincial administration on Wednesday, January 12, has officially started the booster vaccination program, which had been determined by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to be free of charge.

Head of the Jakarta Health Office’s Disease Prevention and Control, Lies Dwi Oktavia, said the vaccine supply for the booster program is sourced from existing supplies from the Indonesian Health Ministry.

“People can check their scheduled vaccination via PeduliLindungi and vaccination centers or government-run vaccine facilities,” said Dwi as she monitored the inaugural booster program in East Jakarta.

Corresponding to the central government’s policy, booster shots can be distributed in regions that have logged 70 percent inoculation for the general public and elderly group. However, she could not confirm when such a program will be available for the 18-year old group as the government is prioritizing its effort on the elderly group.

A participant, Ida, said the process was quick. Ida told Tempo that she only had to spend 15 minutes queuing for her share of the booster vaccine.

Jakarta has, so far, vaccinated 12.3 million people against Covid-19.

Read: Jakarta Provides Booster Shots for Both Residents, Non-residents

EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA