Covid-19 Vaccination for Prisoners Sparks Questions; KPK Explains

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) explained the reasons behind the Covid-19 vaccination for prisoners which sparked questions among the public.

One of the prisoners who received the vaccine was former social affairs minister Juliari Batubara, a suspect in the Covid-19 graft aid case.

The KPK chairman Firli Bahuri said the government is obliged to maintain the safety of its people, including prisoners. He reported that to date, 20 out of 64 detainees tested positive for the disease. A number of employees even died from the virus infection. 

“On this basis, KPK holds vaccination in cooperation with the Covid-19 Handling Committee for all KPK personnel and people in the KPK,” said Firli in a statement received by Tempo yesterday.

Prisoners, he added, are one of the people who are vulnerable to contracting and transmitting Covid-19 as they have direct contact with various parties, including prison officials, investigators, prisoners’ families, and legal attorneys.

Firly thus argued that Covid-19 vaccination for prisoners is necessary. “This is also to provide protection for the people concerned,” he added.

Besides, the health of detainees is also vital during the legal process and trials. Firli Bahuri emphasized that health is a human right, including for a prisoner.

Read: KPK Leaders, Workers to Get Covid-19 Vaccine Shots Starting Today

ANDITA RAHMA