Ari Kuncoro, UI Rector at Rosi, Kompas TV:
The Correct Vaccine, a Healthy Economy
Nino Eka Putra ~ PR of FEB UI
DEPOK – (27/8/2020) With the uncertainty of how long the Pandemic will last, , a glimmer of hope appears. The Indonesian government and a company from China, Sinovac Biotech Ltd. are working together to agree on 50 million candidates for the Covid-19 vaccine for Indonesian citizens. The Covid-19 vaccine produced by Sinovac Biotech Ltd. has arrived in Indonesia. Before being distributed to the public, the vaccine will first undergo clinical trials at PT Bio Farma.
This vaccine collaboration began when the Minister of BUMN, Erick Thohir who serves as Chair of the Implementation of the Covid-19 and National Economic Recovery Committee with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Retno Marsudi, visited two cities, namely Hainan (China) and Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). The visit brought good news, namely in the commitment of 50 million vaccines. If this vaccine candidate is successful, we will start mass immunization early next year (2021). This vaccine is expected to be a solution for the Coronavirus Pandemic and at the same time, to help economic recovery.
Professor Ari Kuncoro, Rector of Universitas Indonesia as a resource person on Rosi in Kompas TV, with the topic” Correct Vaccine, Healthy Economy” hosted by Rosianna Silalahi, on Thursday (27/8/2020), said, “For the past four years, the main driver of the economy in Indonesia is the consumption side, which is related to basic needs and lifestyle (for example: travel, hotels and food). Due to public fears, Covid-19 has caused the economy to decline.. As a result, the consumer confidence index fell from 105 to 77 (April – May 2020). However, with the implementation of large-scale relaxation of social restrictions (PSBB), we experienced a change towards improvement at 86.8%. But with the ongoing risks, safety health protocols must still be implemented. A vaccine can create new hopes and change all behavior patterns. In cities, money that was previously saved can recirculate.”
Ari continued that a practical contribution of Universitas Indonesia to spread the inspiration, creativity and hard work of the Indonesian people in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic is by publishing 3 books on handling Covid-19, in 17 provinces in Indonesia and several countries that are considered successful in conducting countermeasures, such as New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Germany and South Korea. This book is published in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).
This book illustrates experiences of people in various countries and Indonesia, regarding the use of masks. There are numerous unique local opinions regarding the use of masks, so every country must be creative to come up with solutions. “For example, in western countries, there are those who think that being forced to wear masks violates human rights. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, the level of discipline in wearing masks is very low. However, Indonesia adapted quickly compared to other countries in using masks,” Ari said.
“Meanwhile, Indonesia’s economic recovery can rebound, with the fourth quarter being the key and if the third quarter is not too negative.” It is hoped this vaccine will push investment and people’s purchasing power, and can integrate the demand and production sides like before the Pandemic,” Ari said in closing the session. (hjtp)
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