While it would be great if more people were vaccinated against COVID-19, Indonesia, in theory, isn’t forcing anyone to get the jab. As such, rumors that the unvaccinated would be denied essential public services have been categorically denied by the police.
One such rumor that has been making the rounds online is the police apparently refusing to grant driver’s licenses (SIM), police clearance letter (SKCK), and other documents to those who refuse to get the jab.
One photo has gone viral depicting a sign at a police station in Riau province announcing that document applicants must bring proof that they have been vaccinated or registered to be vaccinated.
“That information, which has spread on social media, is a hoax,” Djati Utomo, who heads the SIM sub-directorate at the National Police’s Traffic Department, said yesterday.
While jabs are free for the entire eligible population in Indonesia, there is currently no law or government regulation mandating that each citizen must get vaccinated against COVID-19.
In fact, some regions have chosen to reward those who are willing to get the jab, such as in this West Java district, where the elderly get to bring home a live chicken after their shot.
