East Java Province Aims to Establish Partnership with Samarkand

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — East Java Province in Indonesia is seeking to establish a “sister-province” partnership with Samarkand as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, education, and cultural exchanges.

Governor of East Java, Hofifa Indrar Parawansa, discussed the plan during a meeting in Surabaya with Oybek Eshonov, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Indonesia and ASEAN.

The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen Indonesia–Uzbekistan relations at the regional level through expanded economic cooperation and increased people-to-people contacts. “He expressed hope for the signing of a cooperation agreement between East Java Province and Samarkand,” Hofifa said on February 14, 2026, following the meeting with the ambassador.

Currently, the provincial administration is completing administrative and licensing procedures in coordination with Indonesia’s ministries of foreign affairs and trade, in accordance with national regulations governing international cooperation at the subnational level. Once these steps are finalized, a protocol of cooperation will be signed and submitted for approval to the East Java Provincial Legislative Assembly.

The signing is expected to coincide with the planned visit of the Governor of Samarkand to East Java from 4 to 7 April, potentially accelerating the formalization of the agreement.

Hofifa emphasized that the relationship between East Java and Samarkand goes beyond economic cooperation, citing historical and spiritual connections between the regions. She highlighted that many Islamic boarding schools (pesantrens) in East Java organize pilgrimages to the tomb of Imam Bukhari in Samarkand, as students undertake in-depth studies of his hadiths. Currently, a delegation from the Ploso Kediri Islamic school, led by Kyai Nurul Huda, is visiting Samarkand.

The governor also noted that one of the Wali Songo, Maulana Malik Ibrahim, who played a key role in spreading Islam in East Java, is believed to have originated from Central Asia, including the Samarkand region. “Essentially, we are building spiritual strength from a cultural perspective in Indonesia–Uzbekistan relations, particularly between East Java and Samarkand,” Hofifa said.

Trade data indicate growing economic engagement between the parties. From January to October 2025, East Java’s oil and gas exports to Uzbekistan reached US$9.36 million, surpassing the previous year and reflecting a relatively high average growth over the past five years. Key exports include vegetable fats and oils, processed foods, soap and detergents, and paper and cardboard. Imports from Uzbekistan during the same period totaled US$43.06 million, primarily fertilizers supporting East Java’s agricultural sector.

Ambassador Eshonov expressed support for the initiative and appreciation for the provincial administration’s commitment to strengthening ties. “We discussed a wide range of issues. We hope this will benefit both sides and further consolidate our relationship,” he said.