Shielding Public Health: Indonesian National Police (INP)’s Measure Against COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate Forgery

The purpose of this study is to discuss the benefits of implementing several strategies carried out during the COVID-19 period. COVID-19 vaccine certificate forgery has posed a threat to public health. The Indonesian National Police (INP) has implemented various strategies to overcome this crime. The intervention strategies involve early detection and prevention, such as cyber patrol, border control, public involvement, and strict law enforcement. Other countries have also carried out similar measures; however, there are several additional strategies, such as the formation of a special force as well as utilizing blockchain technology for a more secure digital vaccine certificate system. These strategies could be a benchmark for the INP in handling cases of letter forgery

The primary modes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission include respiratory droplets generated by coughing, sneezing, talking, and contact with contaminated surfaces (Punn et al., 2020;Rauf et al., 2021).The transmission of COVID-19 via international travel poses a significant concern; therefore, various countries have been implementing diverse control measures (Petersen et al., 2021).Primary public health strategies have emphasized non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) in the early stages of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.This has involved the strict implementation of physical distancing protocols, movement limitations, and lockdowns.In response to the pandemic, the Indonesian government has immediately implemented these social distancing protocols, extensive testing, and contact tracing to control the virus's transmission.However, these travel restrictions have had notable social and economic implications (OECD, 2020;Correia et al., 2020;Kimberly, 2020), particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs).They have disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, causing job losses, disrupted education, economic shutdowns, hindered access to essential health and public services, and increased food insecurity (Kimberly, 2020).WHO has criticized blanket travel bans that impose significant hardships on both lives and livelihoods more than preventing the international spread of the virus.All countries are encouraged to reassess and revise their measures regularly (WHO, 2021).Policymakers are exploring alternative strategies to lockdown as they consider easing current restrictions.
Immunization has effectively controlled outbreaks of diseases throughout history, such as smallpox and yellow fever (compulsory for travelers to and from endemic areas) (Wagner et al., 2019).Hence, international efforts have been established to distribute vaccines to combat SARS-CoV-2 (Petersen et al., 2021).As of April 14, 2021, vaccination is underway in at least 171 countries despite the challenges (Eisenstadt et al., 2020).The Indonesian government took proactive steps to secure vaccines early, finalizing procurement in 2020.By January 2022, the goal was to administer 426 million doses from various suppliers.This effort aimed to vaccinate over 181 million citizens to achieve herd immunity (Arifin et al., 2021;Fuady et al., 2021).By November 21, 2021, 32.2% of Indonesia's general population had been fully vaccinated (Marzo et al., 2022).Global efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines have prompted implementation of novel public health strategies, such as vaccine mandates and certification systems (Hall and Studdert, 2021).To enhance vaccination rates, proposals for COVID-19 immunity certificates have been advanced for individuals who are fully vaccinated or have recovered from the virus.These certificates contain personal details, vaccination dates, and dosage information (Eisenstadt et al., 2020).Beyond providing proof for accessing public events and air travel (Khan et al., 2022), these certificates also serve as incentives to bolster public participation in vaccination campaigns (Hu et al., 2021).including in the UK (BBC, 2021).The forgery of vaccination certificates is extremely dangerous and harms not only the individual but also others.Unvaccinated individuals with forged certificates face a heightened risk of contracting COVID-19 and, if infected, are more likely to experience severe symptoms.When such individuals become infected, it poses a significant risk to those around them (Kemenkes, 2021;Aisyah et al., 2022) Negeri Makasar, 2022).Although there is some literature discussing COVID-19 certificate forgery (Heghes, 2021;Nasution, 2022;Georgoulias et al., 2023;Kotian et al., 2023), there are still limited studies that specifically address the police strategy to intervene in this crime, particularly in the Indonesian context.
The INP has implemented proactive measures to address the threat of COVID-19 vaccine certificate forgery, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the authenticity of vaccination documentation.This study thoroughly reviews the INP's strategy against vaccine certificate fraud by analyzing domestic case studies and comparing global approaches to provide insights for guiding future policies and supporting public health efforts.

METHOD
This study employs a document analysis to discuss the domestic case studies and a literature review to compare global strategies.Document analysis is a qualitative method used to examine and interpret data to extract meaning, gain insights, and generate empirical knowledge (Bowen, 2009;Nasri, 2023;Dalgish et al., 2020).Meanwhile, the literature review is characterized as a comprehensive evaluation of existing knowledge on a specific research topic, encompassing the associated themes and the diverse viewpoints articulated (Psarommantis and May, 2023).
We developed a comprehensive search strategy for the literature review using academic databases (e.g., PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar), institutional repositories, government publications, and grey literature.The keywords used include: "COVID-19 vaccine certificate", "COVID-19 vaccine pass" or "COVID-19 vaccine passport", "COVID-19 immunity certificate", and "forgery" or "fake" or "counterfeit" or "falsified" or "falsification" or "fabricated", and "law for the three articles and four news.The essential data elements, including author, year, location, detail of forgery, and police officer strategy, were extracted from selected studies.Then, we synthesized findings to identify common themes, trends, and gaps related to COVID-19 vaccine certificate forgery and law enforcement responses.
We collected publicly available documents from the INP and other relevant sources about their measures against COVID-19 vaccine certificate forgery for the document analysis.We analyzed policy documents, reports, official statements, and case studies to understand the INP's strategies, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved.We compared findings from the national case studies gained from the document analysis of the INP's measures with the literature review of global comparison insights to identify lessons learned and best practices for enhancing strategies against vaccine certificate forgery.Negeri Batam, 2021).This abuse of power poses a significant danger, especially with the potential for citizens' privacy data leaks.A California-licensed naturopathic doctor engaged in a scheme to sell fake healthcare records to her customers.

No
Complaints from members of society.

Table 2. Analyses of global case studies on COVID-19 vaccine certificate forgeries
Table 2 shows the dark web, Telegram, and some unethical doctors who sell fake certificates contribute to the issue.The price of these counterfeit certificate's ranges from €100 to €130 in Germany (BBC, 2021).Global comparative analysis indicates countries are implementing similar strategies, including cyber control, border control, and legal actions against offenders.However, some countries are progressing further by establishing special task forces, developing digital identification systems, and using blockchain technology to prevent and detect vaccine forgery.

Indonesian National Police (INP)'s Measures
The INPs have implemented strategies and actions to tackle this crime, such as detection and prevention, prosecution, and cooperation with multiple stakeholders.

Monitoring
The INPs have intensified surveillance to detect forged vaccine certificates through regular monitoring and on-site inspections (e.g., border control) and cyber patrol.

Border control
Indonesia's archipelagic nature provides multiple access points for entering an area, such as by land, sea, and air.The INP conducts screenings for various possible crimes distributed through the movement of people and goods between districts and cities in Indonesia.This strategy involves collaboration with relevant parties, such as the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia.Anggraini et al. (2022) revealed a circular from the Ministry of Transportation strengthening the penalties for using forged vaccination certificates.This indicates that the INP works with others in this strategy but is supported by relevant ministries.The police monitor not only the movement of people but also the movement of goods between districts and cities.For instance, in the case of certificate forgery in North Jakarta, falsified COVID-19 vaccination certificates sent via delivery services were detected and identified due to the strategy of inspecting goods shipped by these services (Pengadilan Negeri Jakarta Utara, 2021).The Bali Regional Police also employed this strategy.In eastern Bali, bordering West Nusa Tenggara, they successfully uncovered cases of forged vaccination certificates through border checks in sea transportation routes (Fawaidi and Agriesta, 2021).

Public awareness campaign
Public cooperation was vital for the success of INP's measures.Ensuring citizens knew the legal and health implications of using fake vaccine certificates was essential to the strategy.INP conducted extensive public awareness campaigns, utilizing social media, traditional media, and community outreach programs to educate the public about the dangers and consequences of vaccine certificate forgery (Patrolisiber, 2024a;Jumady, 2022).Through the "Bimbingan masyarakat" programme, the INP, in this case, Bhabinkamtibmas (Bhayangkara Pembina Keamanan dan Ketertiban Masyarakat) educated the public about crime prevention related to COVID-19 (Krisnawan and Lubis, 2024;Jumady, 2022;Kurnianto, 2021).

Community involvement
Furthermore, the community can also be involved in cyber patrols.Cyber patrols are conducted proactively by the INP and through a strategy that opens a community reporting portal for potential cybercrimes, particularly the forgery of COVID-19 vaccination certificates (Patrolisiber, 2024b).This collaboration with the community provides the INP with information to quickly identify targets for detection, thereby preventing more widespread damage or losses.Community reports have proven effective in assisting the INP to detect the forgery of COVID-19 vaccination certificates on several occasions (Pengadilan Negeri Klaten, 2021;Pengadilan Negeri Makasar, 2022).
The government has taken proactive steps to address the growing problem of vaccine certificate forgery by embedding a unique QR code on each original certificate provided to vaccine recipients.It makes it easy to distinguish between legitimate and counterfeit certificates.In addition, to combat the sale of fraudulent vaccine certificates, the government has set up a service called "Lapor Pak Kapolres" or "Lapor Pak Kapolres" or "Report to the Chief of Police," which allows the public to report any suspected illegal activities related to vaccine certificate fraud (Hafizh et al., 2022).for IDR 5.000-100.000via social media to friends seeking employment.Exploiting his access to the health department's website during an internship, he covertly offered fake certificates.A resident discovered his actions and reported them to the authorities through the "Lapor Pak Kapolres" program.This program serves as a trigger for involving the community and increasing public awareness of any dangerous and illegal activity.This initiative is crucial given the extensive responsibilities of the police and the existing staff shortages.Therefore, community engagement will facilitate, expedite, and make police preventive strategies, interventions, or repressive actions more effective and efficient.

Prosecution
The INP has implemented stringent measures to address and penalize criminal activities, including the forgery of COVID-19 vaccine certificates.Idham Azis, the chief of the INP, took media and then edited using editing apps (e.g., CorelDraw and Photoshop) to make a fake certificate and alter the data based on the buyer'vaccine certificates were promoted through Facebook.Then, he downloaded the vaccine certificate online and edited it through CorelDraw apps to fit the buyer data.After everything was finished, he sent it on an expedition.for fake COVID-19 vaccine certificates is advertised on social media.Orders are placed online, and the counterfeit certificates are delivered to the orderer and submitted to the government website.One vaccination certificate costs IDR 1) started working at the Paccerakang Health Centre in Makassar as a volunteer without being registered as a vaccination officer.She used PCare access to create fake certificates.She used other people's ID cards and phone number data, to the Regulation of the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia Number 3 of 2024, the Indonesian National Police (INP) has established a specialized organizational structure to address cybercrimes.The INP is tasked with maintaining the security of netizens in cyberspace through supervision, prevention, and enforcement of various forms of cybercrime.Additionally, the institution plays an active role in educating the public about implementing the Information and Electronic Transactions Act (ITE) to prevent netizens from becoming victims or perpetrators of The forgery of COVID-19 vaccination certificates in Indonesia has extended into cybercrime, as exemplified by several cases promoted through Facebook and other applications involving online transactions.Cyber patrols have proven to be an effective strategy for the INP to tackle this issue.Through the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), the government has appreciated the INP for uncovering cases of forged COVID-19 vaccination certificates in West Java (Kemenkes, 2021).Furthermore, the cyber patrol conducted by the INP in Yogyakarta has shown positive results For instance, The "Report to the Chief of Police Program" was launched in June 2021 at the Karawang Police Department, where residents of Karawang who witness or experience legal issues can now report directly to the Karawang Police Chief via the WhatsApp application.These reports are ensured to be promptly addressed by the relevant authorities.This program is open to any legal difficulties (Humaspolri, 2021).The police officers also socialize the "Report to the Police Chief'' service to residents.Through this program, INP has succeeded in investigating the COVID-19 certificate forgeryrelated cases.Hafizh et al. (2022) also shared a success story about this program; for instance, a university student in Karawang sold fake COVID-19 vaccine certificates without actual vaccination

Table 1 .
Pengadilan Negeri Klaten, 2021)es on COVID-19 vaccine certificate forgeries Based on Table1, the case studies are spread across various locations in Indonesia, including Sumatra, Java, and Sulawesi islands.The majority of the modus operandi of this crime is promoted through online media (e.g., Facebook) and then edited using editing applications (e.g., Photoshop, CorelDraw, and PicCart) (Pengadilan Negeri Malang, 2021; Pengadilan Negeri Jakarta Utara, 2021;Pengadilan Negeri Klaten, 2021).Financial transactions are conducted with varying profits, and communication is done online, although some cases are still promoted conventionally.The case in Batam was carried out by an individual who had access to the national vaccine data center, originating from healthcare workers themselves, by uploading the fake vaccine certificates to official government applications and websites (Pengadilan