President Jokowi to Get First Dose of Sinovac Vaccine

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is reported to be the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccine in Indonesia next week. The Health Ministry confirmed that the President will get the antibody produced in collaboration with a Chinese pharmaceutical firm, Sinovac.

"[President will get] the Sinovac vaccine and is still waiting for the emergency use authorization (EUA) from the BPOM (Food and Drug Monitoring Agency)," the vaccination program spokesperson Siti Nadia Tarmizi, told Tempo on Thursday, January 7, 2021.

President Jokowi was initially scheduled to get the shot on January 13, 2021. However, the Sinovac vaccine is currently waiting for the results of the phase-3 clinical trial in order to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

If the results are issued, the BPOM could grant the EUA and the distribution permit so that it could be publicly used. "January 13 is the initial plan date that can be adjusted with the BPOM permit," Nadia added.

Via his Instagram account, President Jokowi said he was waiting for the EUA from the BPOM and halal certificate from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). He also emphasized that he will be the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

"Why is the President the first? This does not mean I want to put myself first, but to ensure everyone that this vaccine is safe and halal. So, get ready," he said.

EGI ADYATAMA