A short   video  conveying   messages   about  the importance of reducing barriers and challenges of getting the COVID-19 vaccination for elderly was launched on the national Elderly Day event on June 3rd, hosted by the Ministry of Health.  The focus of the video is to advocate to local government and social leadership look at the condition of the elderly in their respective areas and make efforts to accelerate the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination among elderly. The video comes under the multi-media SIAP  (Semangat Dapat Vaksinasi Lengkap) campaign developed by Breakthrough ACTION. 

The film is set in various locations in East Nusa Tenggara, and uses a set of traditional Ume Kbubu or round-shaped houses.

Many of those who reside in these houses have lived long enough to tell its folk tales. Such is the case of Yonas Naitboho, who has lived in the village for 65 years, from his childhood until the day when he was is blessed with grandchildren. 

In the film, Yonas stars as the protagonist called Opa, a grandfather who goes about his daily life, looking after his family. One day, Opa is unexpectedly visited by the head of the village, who urges Opa to take up a COVID-19 vaccination. But Opa feels he doesn’t need the vaccine. Finally, the reluctant Opa is caught by surprise that all of his family members are already vaccinated. His daughter worries that Opa might endanger the family if he doesn’t get vaccinated, especially because his young grandchild, Melky, is 5 and is not eligible for one. He finally realizes what is best for his family.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has contributed to millions of COVID-19 vaccinations in Indonesia since 2021. To support the this effort, through The Breakthrough ACTION for COVID-19 program closely collaborates with Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, promoting increased uptake of COVID-19 vaccination.