Meeting Ambassador, East Java Governor Khofifah Asks For Connectivity Of Vaccination Of Indonesian Citizens With Applications In Saudi Arabia

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SURABAYA - The East Java Provincial Government requested the connectivity of vaccinations that have been carried out by the community with applications in Saudi Arabia. The goal is to make it easier for pilgrims from Indonesia to perform Umrah.

The request was made by the Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, when he received a visit from the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Indonesia Essam bin Abed al-Thaqafi in Surabaya.

"He said that the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia will coordinate with our ministry of health. So that a connection can be built on how the COVID-19 vaccination that has been received by the people in Indonesia can be connected to the application in Saudi Arabia," said Khofifah, quoted by Antara, Tuesday, October 12. .

Meanwhile, Essam bin Abed al-Thaqafi revealed that in Saudi Arabia, vaccines from the Astra Zeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Jhonson & Johnson brands are used.

However, Khofifah explained that many people in East Java also use the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is around 1.5 million people.

According to the former Minister of Social Affairs, people in East Java had used the Astra Zeneca vaccine before it was used by other provinces.

"But he also said specifically that the Sinovac vaccine has also been approved by the world health organization or WHO. So there is no problem. But the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia will still coordinate with the Indonesian Ministry of Health," he said.

Meanwhile, Essam bin Abed al-Thaqafi admitted that he was happy that his visit to East Java received such an extraordinary response.

"Alhamdulillah, we were received well today from the embassy. We have discussed many things," he said.

In addition to discussing plans for the opening of Hajj and Umrah, the meeting also included plans to open a Saudi Arabian consulate office in Surabaya.

"We want to immediately realize the opening of a consulate office in Surabaya. We will also try to increase cooperation in the field of education. Hopefully the COVID-19 pandemic will subside soon and all can recover and be normal, so that the realization of the activities we have discussed is not hampered," he said.