Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah explored ways to strengthen bilateral ties with Uzbekistan through engagement with Samarkand Governor Adiz Boboev, highlighting opportunities for cooperation in connectivity and religious tourism.
Leading the ministerial delegation in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf exchanged views with the governor on opening a direct flight route between the two countries, aiming to facilitate tourist mobility and expand itineraries in umrah travel packages.
“We want to reinforce our long-standing bilateral relations,” Yusuf noted in a statement cited here in Jakarta on Monday.
He drew attention to historic ties between Indonesia and Uzbekistan, noting the connection dates back beyond the independence era. Yusuf also attributed the development of Islam in Indonesia to clerics from Central Asia, including Uzbekistan.
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He also observed the cooperation opportunities remain wide open for both countries, including joint initiatives to develop religious tourism.
In the context, Yusuf pointed to the trend of Indonesian umrah pilgrims extending their overseas travel beyond pilgrimage sites in Saudi Arabia to popular destinations, such as Turkiye, Dubai, and other places in the Middle East.
Samarkand has the potential to join the list of additional destinations, Yusuf added.
On that note, he emphasised the need to seize the opportunity through follow-up discussions involving Umrah travel agencies in Indonesia, as the Ministry’s authority is regulatory and does not extend to organising Umrah trips.
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Yusuf also used the Samarkand visit to encourage more Uzbek tourists to vacation in key destinations across Indonesia.
“Indonesia is not just Bali. We have Lombok, Belitung, Wakatobi, and many other destinations that are just as appealing,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Governor Boboev welcomed the Ministry’s initiative to strengthen Indonesia-Uzbekistan friendship, agreeing that a direct flight is key to boosting tourism ties.
He also expressed hope for an increase in Indonesian tourists visiting sites of importance for muslims in Uzbekistan, particularly places associated with notable Islamic scholars, such as Imam Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, Imam Tirmidhi, and Baha’ al-Din Naqshband.
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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Fransiska Ninditya
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