Penalties for Refusing COVID-19 Vaccination in Indonesia

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo Yujin] On the 18th (local time), Bloomberg reported that the Indonesian government has established a legal basis to punish those who refuse vaccination in order to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.

According to the report, the Indonesian government issued a presidential decree that allows penalties such as fines, suspension of social welfare benefits, or administrative services for those who refuse vaccination.

Until now, local governments have autonomously decided whether to impose sanctions on vaccination refusers, but this presidential decree provides a legal basis for such sanctions.

If a person is responsible for spreading COVID-19 infection due to refusal to be vaccinated, they may also face criminal punishment.

Indonesia is currently using vaccines from China's Sinovac. According to a survey conducted in September last year, about 65% of Indonesia's total population expressed willingness to receive the vaccine.

The Indonesian government plans to provide free vaccinations to 180 million people, which corresponds to about 70% of the total population.

To increase trust in vaccination, starting with President Jokowi, the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has been completed for 1.12 million healthcare workers, and the second phase of vaccination has begun, starting with public officials.

(Source: Dimas Ardian / Bloomberg)

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.