TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said that the phase 3 clinical trial of the tuberculosis (TB) vaccine developed by the Gates Foundation, owned by Bill Gates, in Indonesia is not intended to turn the public into guinea pigs. Budi stated that the narrative claiming the program is dangerous is baseless. He cited a similar phenomenon when the COVID-19 vaccine first emerged.
"This is not a guinea pig trial. Instead, we should obey because it has been proven that even COVID cases have decreased. Many people used to say the same thing, right? It has a chip or something," he said after launching the tuberculosis eradication program at the Rambutan Sub-district Office, Ciracas, East Jakarta, on Friday, May 9, 2025.
Budi stated that the vaccine candidate's safety was tested initially when the samples were tested on animals. Meanwhile, the trial conducted in Indonesia, he said, is in the third stage, or the stage to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine.
"So, the clinical trial 3 checks its effectiveness, out of 100 people who were treated, how many recovered and contracted the disease," he said. "So, scientifically, it has been proven safe," he claimed. Budi claimed that this vaccine has no side effects.
Budi added that Indonesia will benefit from being chosen as one of the trial sites. According to Budi, Indonesia is the second country with the highest number of tuberculosis patients. Besides being able to match the genetic variants in the vaccine, by participating in this trial, Indonesia could become one of the producers if Bill Gates' vaccine is officially distributed.
"We can get priority to produce the vaccine. So, our Bio Farma, when it is ready, can produce it on its own," he said.
Furthermore, Budi also denied that Bill Gates will build the vaccine plant developed in Singapore. He said, for now, Bill Gates' vaccine plant will only be built in the United States. "Later, if I'm not mistaken, the company that will build it is GAS or GlaxoSmithKline," he said.
Previously, social media was buzzing about the collaboration in the tuberculosis or TBC M72 vaccine clinical trials. Netizens were concerned that Indonesia was being used as a guinea pig and would suffer if the vaccine failed.
"If there are dangerous side effects, who will take responsibility?" tweeted a user named @delfi*** on May 7, 2025.
"What about this, why would the people of Indonesia want to be guinea pigs," wrote another account @adri** on the same day. Some even suggested that this vaccine should be tested on government officials first. "I suggest to vaccinate Bapak President, Vice President, Ministers, House members, and all subordinate members. Only then, if it's safe, vaccinate the Indonesian people," wrote an account @adity*** on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
Editor's Choice: Bill Gates' TB Vaccine: Over 2,000 Indonesians Participated in Clinical Trials
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Government Denies Indonesia Is Undergoing Deindustrialization Phase
12 menit lalu
Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita said Indonesia's manufacturing industry is still the main driver of national economic growth
Bill Gates' Visit to Indonesia: Key Highlights
3 jam lalu
The founder of the Microsoft Group, Bill Gates, visits Indonesia with various agendas. What did he do in Indonesia?
Indonesia's Anti-Online Gambling Task Force Has Tackled 1,271 Cases, Says Police Chief
3 jam lalu
Since its formation on November 4, 2024, the anti-online gambling task force has handled 1,271 cases
Soviet-Era Spacecraft Kosmos 482 Could Crash in Indonesian Territory, BRIN Says
3 jam lalu
A Soviet-era spacecraft Kosmos 482 is expected to crash down to Earth on Saturday.
Bill Gates' TB Vaccine: Over 2,000 Indonesians Participated in Clinical Trials
5 jam lalu
Clinical trials of Bill Gates' TB vaccine have been conducted in five countries.
Today's Top 3 News: Bill Gates' Story of Failed Nuclear Project with China
16 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today, May 8, 2025.
House Member Says No Reason to Oppose Bill Gates TB Vaccine Trial in Indonesia
18 jam lalu
House member expressed confidence in the safety of the Bill Gates-backed vaccine and said Prabowo wouldn't risk public health.
Indonesian Govt Urges Waste Facilities to Stop Using Chimneys; Here's Why
19 jam lalu
Chimneys in waste disposal sites, especially those following an open dumping scheme, could produce toxic compounds, such as dioxins and furans
Over 11% of People with Disabilities in Indonesia Live Below the Poverty Line
20 jam lalu
The challenges faced by people with disabilities in Indonesia.
Cardinal Suharyo Represents Indonesian Hospitality at Vatican Conclave
22 jam lalu
Cardinal Suharyo reflects Indonesian hospitality at the Vatican with his open and friendly attitude towards all
