Critics Of Sanctions For Vaccine Refusals, House of Representatives: Adding To The Burden Of Society During A Pandemic

JAKARTA - Member of the House of Representatives Commission VIII, Bukhori Yusuf, criticized the government's move to impose fines on people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Even in an emergency, according to him, the government's crisis management should not ignore the humanism aspect.

"Regarding the fines for people who refuse vaccines, it is regrettable that we don't see this method as a method that is inspired by a clear mind", said Bukhori, Thursday, July 1.

According to the PKS politician, people are already depressed due to the pandemic. In addition, irregularities in social assistance to corruption ensnared Juliari Batubara. Now, Bukhori's continued burden must be increased by a fine just for refusing a vaccination.

"In fact, the vaccine is optional", he said.

The member of the commission in charge of disaster issues explained that he could understand the government's good intentions in this vaccination program, namely to immediately establish herd immunity through Presidential Regulation No. 14 of 2021.

However, he said, it is undeniable that there are still concerns from community groups who are doubtful about the safety of vaccines.

“Broadly speaking, there are several main reasons for residents who are still filled with doubts. First, there are still those who question the confusion about the halalness of the vaccine. Second, about the serious side effects of vaccines, considering this involves life", said Bukhori.

"For example, several countries in the world have reported cases of blood clots after vaccination so that it fatally resulted in death. Third, the extent of vaccine safety and certainty of government accountability in case of unexpected things", he continued.

This member of the religious commission believes, in fact, no community wants themselves to be vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus. Moreover, according to the Shari'a, vaccination is part of a Muslim's endeavor to protect the soul or Hifzun Nafs.

He suggested that the Perpres be revoked and asked the government to focus on a massive education strategy.

"This means that the root of the problem does not lie in the reluctance of the community to be vaccinated, but the extent to which the government is effective in discussing issues with the community, communicating messages about the benefits and certainty of vaccines, and straightening out hoax news about vaccines in the community. These are humanist ways to raise public awareness without having to make them hate the government's good program”, he explained.

Bukhori also highlighted issues related to the management of mass vaccination in several places that are weak in governance. Several organizers proved to fail to anticipate the crowds caused by the overcrowded queues. As a result, the vaccination effort is contradictory to its main objective.

The chairman of the PKS also reminded that vaccination efforts would be in vain if they were not accompanied by efforts to suppress the mobility of citizens. According to him, the government should not be full of responsibility in formulating policies to respond to actual conditions related to the pandemic.

Moreover, inconsistent government policies from the start have caused public anxiety.

"This element is important considering that vaccination is not the only key to tackling the pandemic", said Bukhori.

Sanctions for refusing to be vaccinated

The sanctions are contained in the same article in Perpes 14/2021, precisely in paragraph (4), which reads as follows:

"Every person who has been designated as the target recipient of the COVID-19 vaccine who does not participate in the COVID-19 vaccination as referred to in paragraph (2), may be subject to administrative sanctions in the form of:

a. Postponement or termination of the provision of social security or social assistance;

b. Suspension or termination of government administration services; and/or

c. Fine.

In the next article, namely Article 13B, those people who ultimately hinder the implementation of the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 can also be subject to sanctions by Law Number 34 of 1984 concerning Outbreaks of Infectious Diseases.

In Article 14 of Law 34/1984, those who deliberately hinder the control of the epidemic, are threatened with a maximum imprisonment of 1 year or a maximum fine of IDR1 million.

Meanwhile, if this happens based on negligence, then the person concerned will be subject to a maximum imprisonment of 6 months or a maximum fine of IDR 500 thousand.