Uzbekistan and East Java Strengthen Religious and Cultural Tourism Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The government of Indonesia’s East Java province and the Samarkand region of Uzbekistan are strengthening cooperation in religious and cultural tourism, focusing on improving transport connectivity, expanding pilgrimage routes, and enhancing cultural ties.

The initiative was discussed during a visit to Surabaya by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia Oybek Eshonov, Samarkand Governor Adiz Boboev, and Deputy Governor Rustam Kobilov. Islamic scholars and academic representatives from both countries also took part in the discussions.

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa highlighted the deep historical and spiritual connections between the region and Samarkand, particularly through links with prominent Islamic figures. She emphasized the strong potential for pilgrimage tourism, including visits to the mausoleum of Imam Bukhari in Uzbekistan, and expressed interest in developing new tourist attractions.

Authorities in East Java plan to engage travel agencies to explore joint tourism projects and improve accessibility, including the possibility of launching direct flights to Samarkand and Tashkent.

In turn, Samarkand Governor Adiz Boboev welcomed the initiative and invited residents of East Java to visit Uzbekistan, aiming to further strengthen cultural exchange and people-to-people ties between the regions.