The Breakthrough  ACTION   for  COVID-19 project has found ten winners from ten districts for the Elderly Hero Competition of the SIAP (Semangat Dapat Vaksinasi Lengkap) campaign. These local heroes have gone through their own battle to defeat their fears and hesitancy on COVID-19 vaccination, and provide a good example to inspire and influence other elderly to overcome their doubts and fears against COVID-19 vaccines.

One of the local heroes that inspired the people in East Nusa Tenggara, Soleman Dethan, has a unique and inspiring story to tell his peers about his struggles in getting his COVID-19 vaccinations. Throughout his communities, he shared the story about being rejected 8 times when he signed up for his shot. It was because of his high blood pressure, which caused him to fail his screening test many times. His doctor assured him to take his blood pressure medication regularly, have a healthy diet intake, and have enough rest time before enlisting for a shot. After following the doctor’s orders patiently and ensuring himself that his conditions were stable, Soleman attempted registration for the ninth time and finally received his first COVID-19 vaccination.

This experience motivated him to participate in the Elderly Hero Competition. It has given Soleman a strong drive to share his story with the other elderly who are yet to be vaccinated. He accounted for his experience as a blessing and made realize that the  COVID-19 vaccination was not dangerous for old people who have illnesses, as long as they are advised by the right professionals and take precautions before getting their first dose. He is convinced that COVID-19 vaccines are beneficial for everyone, and could greatly reduce one’s risk of getting infected.

To the   North  of   Kupang’s  East  Nusa  Tenggara  Island,  there is inspiring figure in Sulawesi Island. This one is from Muhammad Saeruddin, an Elderly Hero from Bantaeng Regency. Muhammad Saeruddin struggled hard to face various hoaxes and misinformation circulating in his environment, leading to elderly being hesitant to get vaccinated.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the false news of the virus spread like wildfire. People were arguing with each other over how they on such things as how to pray together in local mosques, where the virus came from, etc. creating disbelief and conflicts. Knowing all his life that vaccines were more helpful than harmful, Saeruddin came to the logical solution where everyone must wear masks and keep their distance to prevent the risks of infection. When these actions were promoted, some people refused, but with continued efforts to communicate the importance, eventually most came to agree and follow the protocols. He also communicated the importance of getting a complete set of vaccinations to everyone in his communities.

These experiences and stories from elderly heroes who have inspired many communities will continuously spread out throughout different media and channels. Keeping the correct messaging on the importance of COVID-19 vaccination and caring for their health are the key elements to ensure the communities to fight against the pandemic.