Uzbekistan and Indonesia’s East Java province are strengthening cooperation in religious and cultural tourism, aiming to improve transport access, boost pilgrimage opportunities, and deepen cultural ties.

The initiative was launched during a visit to Indonesia’s Surabaya city by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia Oybek Eshonov, Samarkand Governor Adiz Boboev, and his deputy Rustam Kobilov. Islamic scholars and academics from both countries also took part in the talks, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa highlighted the historical and spiritual connections between the region and Samarkand, particularly through interactions with prominent Islamic figures. She emphasized the potential for religious tourism, including pilgrimages to the tomb of Imam Bukhari in Uzbekistan, and expressed hope for the development of new tourist attractions.

The East Java administration plans to involve travel agencies to explore joint projects and improve transport links, including potential direct flights to Samarkand and Tashkent.

In turn, Boboev praised the initiative and invited East Java residents to visit Uzbekistan, further strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties between the regions.