The East Java provincial government is actively pursuing stronger bilateral ties with Uzbekistan, focusing on enhancing cultural and religious tourism. This initiative aims to improve connectivity, foster pilgrimages, and facilitate cultural exchanges between the two regions.
The effort was underscored by a recent visit to Surabaya by a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan, which included Ambassador to Indonesia Oybek Eshonov, Samarkand Governor Adiz Boboev, and Samarkand Deputy Governor Rustam Kobilov.
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa stated that the meeting also brought together a number of Islamic scholars and academics from both nations. Among the attendees were the imam of the Imam Bukhari Mosque from Uzbekistan and representatives from various Islamic boarding schools across East Java.
Governor Parawansa highlighted the deep historical and spiritual connections shared by East Java and Samarkand, particularly through the legacies of influential Islamic scholars. These established links are viewed as a strong foundation for developing religious tourism, including potential pilgrimage routes to the revered tomb of Imam Bukhari in Uzbekistan.
She suggested that such pilgrimages could become a significant new draw for religious tourism within East Java. Furthermore, historical connections extend to notable Islamic figures in the Indonesian archipelago, such as Sunan Giri and Maulana Malik Ibrahim, who have ties to the Samarkand region.
To implement these plans, the East Java administration is engaging tourism sector stakeholders, including travel agencies, to explore collaboration opportunities with the Samarkand provincial government. Efforts are also underway to bolster transport links, with discussions around the possibility of establishing direct flights from Indonesia to Samarkand or Tashkent.
Improved air travel is anticipated to strengthen people-to-people interactions and further facilitate the development of religious tourism and cultural exchange. Samarkand Governor Adiz Boboev expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, voicing hopes for continued growth in relations between Samarkand and East Java. He extended an invitation for residents of East Java to visit Uzbekistan for pilgrimages and cultural exploration.
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