Ma'ruf Amin: Emergency and Dangerous, MR Vaccine is Allowed, Even Obligatory

JAKARTA - When discussing the issue of Measles Rubella (MR) vaccines, there are two important things from the side of the Indonesian Religious Leader (MUI). First, immunization law. Second, the halalness of the vaccine itself.

The explanation was conveyed by MUI Leader KH Ma'ruf Amin in Forum Merdeka Barat 9 Media Discussion (Dismed FMB'9) with the theme "The Long Way of MR Vaccine MUI Fatwa" in the Multipurpose Hall of the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemkominfo), Jakarta, Tuesday (9/18/2018).

Actually, according to the Leader of the MUI, regarding the issue of vaccines, the MUI has issued a fatwa in 2016. That MUI fatwa No. 4 of 2016 it has been decided that immunization that threatens, causes disease, continuous disability, is not only allowed (used), even it is obligatory.

"According to information from the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), Rubella is very dangerous. If the danger is believed, based on the term of the ulema, it means dangerous indeed, is an obligation," explained Ma'ruf Amin.

Earlier, continued the Leader of the MUI, it was already mentioned and shown directly for example. This is very dangerous. "If Indonesia's young generation will be like that, we will become a weak nation. We will lose competing with other nations," commented Ma'ruf Amin.

Unfortunately, the Leader of the MUI explained, the Ministry of Health did not ask for a direct fatwa about the vaccine. Only the process was carried out in 2018. Namely, MUI Fatwa No. 33 was created regarding the use of Rubella vaccine.

"For the two years, 2016-2018, there was no fatwa regarding halalness. Whether the vaccination is halal or not. Only in 2018 we issue it. Because of the emergency, there is no replacement. The law is that something is forbidden. What is prohibited, if in an emergency, is permitted," said Ma'ruf Amin.

Therefore, the Leader of the MUI, Ma'ruf Amin, stressed that he was very concerned about the achievements of MR vaccine immunization, which currently only reaches 48 percent.

"Therefore, there must be maximum efforts involving all parties. We, MUI have issued two fatwas and we are ready to succeed this Rubella Vaccine," concluded Ma'ruf Amin.

Minister of Health Nila F Moeloek, Head of the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) Penny K Lukito, and President Director of PT Bio Farma M Rahman Roestan also attended as resource person in FMB 9 this time.

You can also follow FMB 9 activities directly at www.fmb9.id, FMB9ID (Twitter), FMB9.ID (Instagram), FMB9.ID (Facebook), and FMB9ID (Youtube).