Indonesia and Uzbekistan discussed direct flights

Indonesia and Uzbekistan Discuss Direct Flights

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah of Indonesia discussed with the Khokim of Samarkand Region, Adiz Boboev, the prospects for developing tourism ties with Uzbekistan, including the opening of a direct flight between the two countries.

The topic of direct air service was raised during a visit to Samarkand by a delegation from the Indonesian ministry, led by the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Mohamad Irfan Yusuf. According to the parties, launching a direct flight could facilitate tourist travel and open up additional opportunities for including Samarkand in the itineraries of pilgrims performing Umrah.

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

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

Yusuf believes that the two countries have the potential to expand cooperation in the field of religious tourism. According to him, Indonesian pilgrims performing Umrah often continue their travels abroad after visiting the holy sites in Saudi Arabia. Among the popular additional destinations, he mentioned Turkey, Dubai, and other Middle Eastern countries.

According to the Minister, Samarkand could also be included in such itineraries. To achieve this, he noted, it is necessary to continue negotiations involving Indonesian travel companies specializing in organizing Umrah trips.

At the same time, Yusuf explained that the authority of the ministry he heads is mainly regulatory in nature and does not involve the direct organization of trips for pilgrims.

During the visit, the Minister also called for an increase in the number of tourists from Uzbekistan visiting Indonesia. He emphasized that the country's tourism potential is not limited to Bali.

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

Adiz Boboev, 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 the further development of tourism ties.

The Khokim also expressed hope for an increase in the number of tourists from Indonesia visiting sites in Uzbekistan that are significant for Muslims.

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