Indonesia Highlights: Indonesians Urged to be Patient as Covid-19 Vaccine Remains Limited | Jokowi Delivers Nyepi Day Greeting to Hindus in Indonesia | Teenage Mercedes Driver Arrested after Hitting C

KOMPAS.com – The Covid-19 vaccine is currently in high demand and low supply in Indonesia. Therefore, the government through Health Minister called on the public to be patient.

Meanwhile, as the Balinese Hindus observed the Day of Silence or locally known as Nyepi, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo posted a special message on his Instagram account.

In other news, the Jakarta Police has arrested a teenage Mercedes driver who got away after crashing into a cyclist in Bundaran HI traffic circle in the capital.

Below are the editors’ picks stories published on Kompas.com:

Indonesians Urged to be Patient as Covid-19 Vaccine Remains Limited

Indonesia’s Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin called on the public to be patient while waiting for the Covid-19 jab as vaccine supplies are currently limited.

The Covid-19 vaccine is currently in high demand and low supply in the country.

“Be patient, there must be a priority in the first semester. We are fighting for the acceleration in the second semester,” Budi said in a webinar titled “I am ready to get vaccinated” held by the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University Alumni on Sunday, March 14.

He said the government plans to get 426 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to meet the immunity of 70 percent of the country's population or 181.5 million people. Each Covid-19 recipient will receive two doses to provide full vaccination.

However, he added, from January to June this year only 80 million doses were given to the public.

“We could only vaccinate 40 million people out of 181.5 million because the vaccines are limited,” he said.

He said that the government has set a target of administering 1.5 million doses per day in the second semester or a threefold increase from the first semester.

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/03/14/16373041/stok-vaksin-covid-19-masih-terbatas-menkes-mesti-sabar.

Jokowi Delivers Nyepi Day Greeting to Hindus in Indonesia

Dok. Instagram Joko Widodo Joko Widodo and Iriana arrive in Bali for the 5th PDI-P Congress.

Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Sunday sent a special message to the Hindus in Indonesia who are observing the Day of Silence or locally known as Nyepi.

The resort island of Bali is gearing up to take a break for 24 hours to observe Nyepi. All-access to the predominantly Hindu island, including I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport and all seaports, will be shut down from 6 am to 6 am the following day. No vehicles will be allowed on the streets except for the emergency services.

"In silence, we dive deep into the depths of ourselves, contemplate the gift of life from God," Jokowi said in his Instagram post on Sunday, March 14.

Jokowi went on to say that all people could rise and remain optimistic. Especially on the Day of Silence to release our anger and resentment.

"Shed the anger, hatred, and resentment. Build optimism and spirit," said Jokowi. "Happy New Years' Day Nyepi Saka 1943," he added.

Meanwhile, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas expressed hope that all Hindus in the country can explore this Nyepi Day's deepest meaning.

"We honor nature, then nature will honor the dignity of our humanity," he said.

Source: https://go.kompas.com/read/2021/03/14/193204574/jokowi-delivers-nyepi-day-greeting-to-hindus-in-indonesia.

Teenage Mercedes Driver Arrested after Hitting Cyclist in Jakarta Main Street

AL ARABIYA An illustration of a bicycle.

The Jakarta Police has arrested a teenage Mercedes driver who got away after crashing into a cyclist in Bundaran HI traffic circle in the capital.

The 19-year-old teen who is identified by MDA was arrested in his house in South Tangerang near Jakarta recently. In the incident on Friday morning, March 12, MDA crashed into a cyclist known as Ivan Christopher.

“MDA has been arrested by the police and will spend at least 20 days in jail,” Antara State News Agency quoted Jakarta Police traffic director Senior Commissioner Sambodo Purnomo Yogo as saying.

Sambodo said the arrest was based on evidence found by investigators including hidden camera recordings and testimonies from witnesses and the perpetrator.

The police also confiscated the vehicle involved in the accident as evidence.

If found guilty, MDA could face up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 10 million rupiahs ($700) and/or three years in prison and a fine of 75 million rupiahs ($5,200) for leaving the scene of the accident.

Source: https://megapolitan.kompas.com/read/2021/03/14/22442201/polisi-tahan-remaja-pengemudi-mercy-yang-tabrak-pesepeda-di-bundaran-hi.