Policies and cultural beliefs: Community perceptions about COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia

Objective Vaccine hesitancy is a global concern and a significant threat to COVID‐19 vaccination programs. This study aimed to explore vaccine hesitancy from the perspective of the Indonesian community related to policies and cultural beliefs. Design A descriptive qualitative approach was utilized in this study. Sample Twenty participants were recruited from various settings to ensure the representation of experiences in different contexts in Indonesia. Measurement Audio‐recorded, semi‐structured, individual, in‐depth interviews were carried out. Content analysis was performed to identify the main key themes. Results Twenty participants were recruited from various regions of Java Island, Indonesia. The participants revealed hesitancy about the COVID‐19 vaccine, including the themes of mistrust, controversy, and the culture and beliefs of the community. Conclusions This study highlights COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy in Indonesia, which may have implications for the community's perceptions and beliefs regarding the uptake of the COVID‐19 vaccine. The trust issue remains a major challenge to convincing the community to accept the vaccine at the grassroots level. Targeted education and communication strategies are essential in addressing trust issues surrounding COVID‐19 vaccines among critical stakeholders and religious leaders in Indonesia. Public health nursing plays a crucial role in fostering community acceptance and ensuring the success of vaccination programs.