Ministry Of Religion Meets With Saudi Ambassador To Ask For Clarity On Umrah, Alludes To Sinovac Vaccines

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Religion through the Directorate of Hajj and Umrah Organization (PHU) met with the Saudi Arabian Ambassador Esham Altsaqafi asking for clarity on the Umrah which is planned to be opened internationally on August 10.

"We ask the Ambassador for an explanation regarding the technical details of the implementation of Umrah during the pandemic," said Plt. Director General of PHU Khoirizi was quoted by Antara, Thursday, July 29 evening.

Khoirizi said his party wanted to get complete information about the implementation of Umrah this year. The reason is, there is a number of information circulating regarding the requirements for Umrah.

Under the conditions contained in the announcement, nine countries, including pilgrims from Indonesia, must undergo a 14-day quarantine in a third country before arriving in Saudi Arabia.

Then, Saudi Arabia only recognizes four types of vaccines namely Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Johnson & Johnson. Meanwhile, Indonesia, which has received the Sinovac vaccine, must receive a booster dose (Booster) of the four recommended vaccines.

"Many things are developing, and we ask for official and valid information so that issues related to Umrah are clearer," he said.

During the meeting, said Khoirizi, the government received a number of information from the Ambassador, one of which was related to vaccines.

Khoirizi reiterated the Ambassador's view that the most important thing is that the Sinovac vaccine has received approval from the WHO.

The Ambassador also said that his party really understands the psychology of Muslims, especially in Indonesia, and their longing to visit Haramain and make pilgrimages to the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad is very high.

"Therefore, we all hope that this pandemic can be handled well soon, so that it can return to normal," said Khoirizi conveying the Ambassador's hopes.

In addition, details of circulars issued by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, including those relating to Indonesia, are still being coordinated.

"The ambassador said that his party has also communicated with the deputy foreign minister of Saudi Arabia. The information is that there will be detailed provisions regarding the implementation of Umrah 1443 H, including those related to Indonesian Umrah pilgrims," said Khoirizi.

To the Ambassador, Khorizi also expressed his hope that Indonesian pilgrims would have the opportunity if Umrah began to open on 1 Muharram 1443 H.

"The number of queues for Umrah pilgrims whose departure is quite large and has been waiting for almost two years," he said.