Can the Government Make COVID-19 Vaccines Available in 2021?

President Joko Widodo is targeting the mass vaccination of Covid-19 throughout Indonesia in 2021 after local companies start mass-producing the shots. "We expect that the economy will recover next year, vaccines will be available, and mass vaccinations can be carried out for all the people," Jokowi said.

Jokowi refers to the development of vaccines carried out by some local companies in cooperation with international institutions. PT Bio Farma, for example, is cooperating with China-based Sinovac. The cooperation will conduct phase 3 clinical trials on vaccines in August 2020 if this process goes smoothly, the government target mass production in 2021.

Vaccine development and production are crucial for all countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 vaccine and drug are the key to restore public and economic activities, which are now slowly recovering. Jokowi also warned that Indonesia faces the risk of a second wave, which could worsen economic conditions.