Indonesia’s East Java, Uzbekistan Strengthen Cooperation in Cultural and Religious Tourism
Surabaya, The Gulf Observer: The provincial government of East Java has moved to deepen bilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan in the fields of cultural and religious tourism, aiming to enhance connectivity, pilgrimage opportunities, and people-to-people exchanges.
The initiative was highlighted during a high-level visit to Surabaya by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia Oybek Eshonov, Governor of Samarkand Adiz Boboev, and Deputy Governor Rustam Kobilov.
Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa stated that the meeting brought together Islamic scholars and academics from both sides, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening cultural and spiritual ties.
“The Uzbekistan delegation attended in full, including the imam of the Imam Bukhari Mosque and academics. We also invited Islamic scholars from various Islamic boarding schools in East Java,” she said.
Parawansa underscored the deep historical and spiritual connections between East Java and Samarkand, particularly through renowned Islamic scholars. She noted that these ties provide a strong foundation for developing religious tourism, including pilgrimage visits to the tomb of Imam Bukhari in Uzbekistan.
“This has the potential to become a new attraction for religious tourism in East Java,” she added.
She further highlighted historical links through prominent Islamic figures in the archipelago, such as Sunan Giri and Maulana Malik Ibrahim, who are believed to have connections with the Samarkand region.
As part of concrete steps, the East Java administration is engaging tourism stakeholders, including travel agencies, to explore partnerships with the Samarkand provincial government. Efforts are also underway to enhance transportation links, including the possibility of launching direct flights from Indonesia to Samarkand or Tashkent.
“Improved connectivity is expected to strengthen people-to-people relations, especially in developing religious tourism and cultural exchange,” Parawansa said.
Meanwhile, Governor Adiz Boboev welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that ties between Samarkand and East Java would continue to grow, inviting Indonesians to visit Uzbekistan for tourism and pilgrimage purposes.
