86 Percent of Population Develop Antibodies: COVID-19 Serological Survey

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government on Friday published the results of the country’s serological survey, which is meant to reveal the estimated number of people who have developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies based on age, gender, and region. 

Based on this survey, the government predicts 86.6 percent of the population aged over 1 year old, vaccinated and unvaccinated, have developed the antibody against COVID-19. 

“This is a large number,” said an epidemiologist from the University of Indonesia’s Public Health Faculty, Iwan Ariawan, in a press statement issued by the Home Affairs Ministry on December 18.

The survey reported 73.9 percent of the unvaccinated population have formed the SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, but this does not guarantee that a person will not contract the coronavirus, Ariawan noted. This survey, according to Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, is the second largest ever held amidst the pandemic below India. 

“The survey will be held once every six months,” said Minister Budi. 

The level of vaccinations received by a person has also produced different levels of antibodies. A total of 89.6 percent people who have received first vaccine shots have formed the needed antibodies, while the antibodies are present in 98.7 percent of those who received the second dose. 

Apart from Iwan, the serological survey involved a number of health organizations and experts that conducted surveys on 9,563 respondents across nine provinces (agglomeration area), while 11,059 respondents were surveyed across 25 non-agglomeration provinces. 

Read: Task Force Urges People to Take COVID-19 Test If Showing Symptoms

FAJAR PEBRIANTO