Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Since Monday (Jan. 4), the Indonesian government has distributed 700,000 doses of China’s Sinovac vaccine to the country’s 34 provinces for the implementation of the national vaccination which will start on January 13, 2021.

"We have three million (vaccine doses).  We just sent 700,000 (vaccine doses) to all the regions. Later on, we will send more and more," Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo said at the State Palace here on Tuesday (Jan. 5).

The head of state said the government would bring in more COVID-19 vaccines to meet the needs of vaccination in the country.

"God willing, there will be 15 million doses of vaccines in the form of raw materials (bulk) which will be produced by Bio Farma (Indonesian state-owned vaccine manufacturer) and will be distributed directly to the regions," he said.

President Joko Widodo said that the first stage of vaccination would target health workers in hospitals.

"The second priority group are the Indonesia armed forces and police members, as well as teachers, along with all people," he said.

Although the vaccination program against the new coronavirus would begin soon, the president reminded the public to remain disciplined in implementing health protocols until the entire process is completed.

The head of state said the implementation of vaccinations around the world is expected to take 3.5 years.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian Ministry of Health estimated that vaccination in the country would last for 15 months.

However, the president hoped that the COVID-19 vaccination in Indonesia could be completed in less than a year.

Reporting by Indonesia Window