RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa and Egypt’s Deputy Ambassador to Indonesia, Ahmad Mukhtar Abdul Hadi, have advanced discussions on a sister province partnership between East Java and Alexandria, signaling new opportunities in trade, education, and cultural exchange.

The talks, held at Al-Akbar National Mosque in Surabaya on Sunday, April 19, 2026, were attended by local leaders including Asep Saifuddin Chalim of Amanatul Ummah Islamic Boarding School.

Khofifah explained that the meeting builds on a previously signed Letter of Intent with Alexandria Governor Mohamed Taher El-Sherif. “We are optimistic this cooperation will progress toward a formal memorandum of understanding,” she said, as quoted by Antara.

The East Java provincial legislative council has already endorsed the initiative, which Khofifah believes could create strong synergies. “There is clear potential for linkages between East Java and Alexandria, particularly in trade and education,” she noted.

Education is seen as a cornerstone of the partnership, with opportunities for collaboration involving Al-Azhar University. Khofifah highlighted plans for cooperation between Nahdlatul Ulama universities and Al-Azhar, especially in efforts to prevent and counter terrorism.

“This can be the foundation for strengthening education, knowledge transfer, and utilizing Al-Azhar’s scholarly resources,” she added.

Khofifah highlighted East Java’s model of mosque management, presenting mosques as hubs for both religious and social services equipped with eco-friendly facilities. At Al-Akbar Mosque, initiatives include a greenhouse, Quran-based mini soccer programs, a digital library, thematic gardens, and sustainable amenities.

Deputy Ambassador Abdul Hadi praised the mosque’s management, describing it as an effective model for serving worshippers and fostering community activities. ***