Task Force Says Indonesia's Complete COVID-19 Vaccination Achievement Is Still Low Compared To Malaysia And Australia

JAKARTA - Government Spokesperson for Handling COVID-19 Wiku Adisasmito stated that Indonesia's complete dose of COVID-19 vaccination was the second lowest after the Philippines compared to other countries in Southeast Asia and Australia.

“Unfortunately, when compared to other countries, the complete dose vaccination coverage compared to the total population, Indonesia has only reached 62 percent. Lower than other countries," said Wiku at the Press Conference on the Development of Handling COVID-19 per June 2, 2022 in Indonesia, quoted from Antara, Thursday, June 2.

He said that although it had exceeded the target set by the World Health Organization, which was 60 percent, in fact the national complete dose vaccination coverage in Indonesia was only 62 percent. This means that only 167.5 million people out of a total of 273.5 million people have received the full dose of vaccination.

Indonesia's full-dose vaccination achievement is still lower than Singapore's 91 percent, Australia 84 percent, Malaysia 83 percent, Vietnam 80 percent, and Thailand 75 percent. While the Philippines is in the lowest position at 34 percent.

Another thing that must be considered, he said, is that there are still six provinces whose vaccination coverage is below the national figure, namely Central Sulawesi, North Maluku, West Sulawesi (Sulbar), Maluku, West Papua and Papua.

Wiku regretted this because the public should be able to understand that vaccines can protect the body and vulnerable groups from wider virus transmission.

"Considering that Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, this percentage must continue to be increased. Seeing the higher coverage of neighboring countries with a lower population than Indonesia, should motivate us to be able to continue to increase vaccination coverage to protect as many people as possible," he said.

Therefore, he reminded all parties not to be careless and continue to be alert as long as the WHO has not revoked the global pandemic status.

He also asked residents who had not been vaccinated to immediately go to the nearest health facility to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

To all local governments, Wiku asked that vaccination coverage in his area be continuously monitored and to coordinate the vaccine stock he has with the Ministry of Health so that the shortage of stock can be distributed according to the number of needs.

“Then to the community, we can contribute by inviting relatives and relatives who have not been vaccinated to do so immediately. Remember! Collective immunity is our main shield in maintaining success against the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.