With vaccinations lagging in the world’s fourth most-populous country, the government has authorized an unusual approach: allowing private companies to acquire Covid-19 vaccines from state-owned distributors for a price to inoculate their employees.
In Indonesia, where Covid-19 infections remain high and many businesses are operating with reduced staff, companies see the plan as an opportunity to return to full capacity faster and reassure workers concerned about contagion. The idea emanated from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which proposed it to President Joko Widodo, saying it would boost productivity and reduce pressure on the national budget because businesses would be paying for some of the vaccination drive, said Chairman Rosan Roeslani.
But the plan is controversial, with some public-health experts saying it will steer limited vaccines toward middle-class and wealthy Indonesians connected with private companies instead of the elderly and most vulnerable. “It will only create inequity,” said Pandu Riono, an epidemiologist at the University of Indonesia.
Mr. Riono said it would be better if corporations donated to help the government boost vaccine supply for the entire population, instead of just for their owners, employees, and families.
The debate reflects the challenges facing developing countries as they work to vaccinate their populations with far fewer resources than wealthy countries.
