Spokesperson for the government’s vaccination program, Siti Nadia Tarmizi, on Wednesday announced 10 provinces that would be prioritized in the COVID-19 vaccination due to their high infection rates, which are located in Java and Bali.

“Out of the 10 provinces that have recorded high COVID-19 cases, largely are in Java and Bali,” said Tarmizi on Wednesday, December 9.

Citing the data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), active cases in seven provinces in Java and Bal reached 50,892 cases (up to Dec 9) with a cumulative case of 376,112 cases. Central Java remains on top with 17,418 cases followed by Jakarta with 11,744 cases, and West Java with 10,146 cases. 

According to the government representative the high numbers are caused by the dense population in the areas, which drive the rampant infection rate. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry records notes 60 percent of the Indonesian population reside in Java and Bali.

COVID-19 mitigation task force head Wiku Adisasmito said the vaccination plans in red zones is solely meant to help suppress the risk of infection.

Source: tempo.co