Amnesty International Indonesia Urges Booster Vaccines To Be Prioritized For Health Workers

JAKARTA - Amnesty International Indonesia Deputy Director Wirya Adiwena has urged the provision of a third dose of vaccine or booster for COVID-19 to be prioritized for vulnerable groups exposed to COVID-19, including non-official health workers.

This pressure arose after a number of officials admitted that they had been injected with a third dose or booster in front of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) during a working visit in Samarinda, East Kalimantan.

"We urge the government to ensure that vaccinations are not given based on position or power but are prioritized for those who have a higher risk of being exposed to COVID-19, including health workers," Wirya said in a written statement to reporters, Wednesday, August 25.

In addition, the government is also asked to ensure the distribution of vaccines is carried out in an accountable and transparent manner. Moreover, based on data from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) as of August 25, there are still many people who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine and health workers who have received the third dose are only 33.9 percent.

"Giving a third vaccine to officials in a situation like this cannot be justified and reflects the government's indifference to public needs," said Wirya.

He reminded that the COVID-19 vaccination program should be carried out with human rights in mind. The government, continued Wirya, should prioritize giving to community groups, especially the elderly, people with disabilities, to detainees in prisons and remand centers, including medical personnel amidst the limited number of vaccines.

"It's not actually giving booster vaccines to the authorities," he said.

Previously reported, a number of officials admitted to President Joko Widodo that they had received a booster vaccination or the third dose.

From the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube video, this conversation took place on the sidelines of the vaccination review agenda in Samarinda, East Kalimantan. They talk behind a loudspeaker (standing mic), so it can be heard during a live broadcast.

Initially, Samarinda Mayor Andi Harun admitted to Jokowi that he had undergone two doses of vaccination, plus the Nusantara vaccine booster developed by Terawan Agus Putranto. Jokowi then responded to this confession.

"Oh, it's really fresh. Before us, Mr. Mayor," said Jokowi in a Youtube broadcast of the Presidential Secretariat, Tuesday, August 24.

Jokowi also asked about the vaccine booster to the TNI Commander Mersekal Hadi Tjahjanto who was also present at the vaccination review agenda. Hadi replied that he had also received a booster vaccine.

"Ready, already," replied Hadi.

Jokowi then responded jokingly. "Not inviting us, yes," said Jokowi, laughing.

Even the Governor of East Kalimantan, Isran Noor, who took part in the conversation, admitted that he had received a vaccine booster using Moderna.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto asked President Jokowi whether he had received the third dose of vaccination.

"All boosters, sir. Hasn't the president yet, sir?" Prabowo asked.

"No, I'm waiting, waiting for Pfizer," Jokowi replied.