Indonesia, Uzbekistan Discuss Direct Air Service

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah discussed prospects for expanding tourism ties with Uzbekistan, including the launch of a direct air service between the two countries, with Samarkand Region Governor Aziz Boboyev. The ANTARA news agency reported this.

The issue of direct air connectivity was discussed during a visit to Samarkand by a delegation from the Indonesian ministry led by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Mohamad Irfan Yusuf. The sides said that launching a direct flight could facilitate travel for tourists and create additional opportunities to include Samarkand in itineraries for pilgrims performing Umrah.

“We want to strengthen our long-standing bilateral relations,” Yusuf said.

The minister stressed the historical nature of ties between Indonesia and Uzbekistan, noting that they were established before the two countries gained independence. He also linked the development of Islam in Indonesia to the activities of theologians from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan.

Yusuf said the two countries have opportunities to expand cooperation in religious tourism. According to him, Indonesian Umrah pilgrims often continue travelling abroad after visiting holy sites in Saudi Arabia. He named Türkiye, Dubai and other Middle Eastern destinations among the popular additional destinations.

The minister said Samarkand could also be included in such itineraries. To make this possible, he said, negotiations should continue with the participation of Indonesian tourism companies specialising in organising Umrah trips.

At the same time, Yusuf explained that the ministry he heads has primarily regulatory powers and does not directly organise pilgrimage trips.

During the visit, the minister also called for an increase in the number of tourists from Uzbekistan visiting Indonesia. He noted that the country’s tourism potential extends beyond Bali.

“Indonesia is not only Bali. We have Lombok, Belitung, Wakatobi and many other destinations that are no less attractive,” Yusuf said.

Aziz Boboyev, in turn, welcomed the Indonesian side’s initiative to strengthen friendly relations between the two countries. He agreed that opening a direct flight could become an important factor in further developing tourism ties.

The governor also expressed hope for an increase in the number of Indonesian tourists visiting sites in Uzbekistan that are significant to Muslims.

Among them, he highlighted sites associated with prominent Islamic scholars, including Imam Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, Imam al-Tirmidhi and Bahauddin Naqshband.