Indonesia began testing a homegrown Covid-19 vaccine on humans after getting the green light from the drug regulator as the country faces a rising wave of virus cases.

Research on the “Merah Putih” (Red White) vaccine — named after the colours of the Indonesian national flag — is led by Airlangga University and Biotis Pharmaceutical Indonesia, AFP reports.

The project has suffered delays since starting in 2020, but authorities are now hoping to authorise its use by the middle of 2022 if the trials are successful.

Health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said the drug, set to be rolled out in the latter stages of Indonesia's vaccination campaign, could be donated to other nations, as a booster jab or as a vaccine for children aged three to six.