Indonesia Seeks Partners for Coronavirus Vaccine Production

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia's demand for a Coronavirus vaccine is set to reach 340 million, according to Coordinating Minister for Economy Affairs Airlangga Hartanto.

The massive figure has made it imperative for state-owned enterprises (BUMN) to partner with several South Korean companies in the production of a Coronavirus vaccine.

“If 170 million citizens require a minimum of two shots, then there will be Coronavirus vaccine demand of 340 million. That’s why BUMNs has partnered with South Korean companies,” Airlangga Hartanto explained.

France and Denmark are also contenders for potential vaccine production partners.

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Airlangga also mentioned that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) wants partnerships with countries that have a smaller population than Indonesia for Coronavirus vaccine production be prioritized.

“The bigger the country, the more they will need to meet the demand domestically as we’ve seen with India and China," said Airlangga.

"That’s why countries like South Korea, France, and Denmark are ideal partners for Indonesia in the co-production [of a Coronavirus vaccine],” he said.

The search for a Coronavirus vaccine continues, with several countries vying to be the first to find the cure.

Upon finding a Coronavirus vaccine, there is a concern over its accessibility particularly for those in developing nations.