SURABAYA, February 17. /Dunyo IA/.  A presentation of Uzbekistan’s tourism potential was held in the city of Surabaya - the administrative center of Indonesia’s East Java province, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

East Java is one of Indonesia’s most densely populated and economically developed regions, with a population exceeding 40 million, the majority of whom are Muslim. Surabaya, the province’s administrative center, is the country’s second-largest city and a key hub for trade, logistics and tourism. The region has a well-established market for organizing pilgrimage trips (Umrah and Hajj), with dozens of licensed tour operators in operation.

The event, organized on the initiative of the Embassy of Uzbekistan, brought together representatives from the East Java Provincial Tourism Department, leaders of more than 50 major travel companies and Umrah organizers, as well as local media representatives.

The forum aimed to comprehensively promote Uzbekistan’s tourism potential in one of Indonesia’s strategically significant regions, establish direct partnerships with local tour operators, develop joint travel packages under the “Umrah Plus Uzbekistan” program, and discuss opportunities to expand and optimize air connections.

It was emphasized that Uzbekistan and Indonesia share common historical and cultural roots, the heritage of Islamic civilization and closely aligned spiritual values. The legacy of prominent Islamic scholars such as Imam Bukhari, Imam at-Tirmidhi and Bahauddin Naqshband was highlighted as being of particular interest to Indonesian pilgrims.

Participants received detailed information on the rich historical and architectural heritage of cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, as well as Uzbekistan’s modern tourism infrastructure, international hotel networks, and opportunities for pilgrimage and cultural-educational tourism. It was especially noted that Uzbekistan, located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, has been a center of trade, science and Islamic thought for centuries.

Muhammad Sufyan Arif, Chairman of the regional branch of the Association of Umrah and Hajj Organizers (AMPHURI), highlighted that Uzbekistan is held in high regard among Indonesian Muslims as a land that has made a significant contribution to the development of Islamic civilization. He noted that visiting Samarkand remains a cherished dream for many families.

“Uzbekistan is the homeland of Imam Bukhari. Cities such as Samarkand and Bukhara are major spiritual centers, not only in Central Asia but across the Islamic world. In the context of enriching “Umrah Plus” programs, Uzbekistan represents a promising and in-demand destination”, - the chairman stressed.

Special attention was given to the historical ties between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Indonesia. In particular, it was noted that the tomb of Mavlono Malik Ibrahim Samarkandi, known in Indonesia as As-Samarkandi or Sunan Gresik, is located in the city of Gresik. Speakers highlighted his significant role in spreading Islam on the island of Java, promoting principles of enlightenment, morality and spiritual tolerance. Today, his mausoleum is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Indonesian Muslims.

The presenters emphasized that Mavlono Malik Ibrahim’s origin from Samarkand symbolizes the deep spiritual connection between Uzbekistan and Indonesia. In this context, it was noted that the rich historical and scientific heritage of scholars from Transoxiana can serve as a strong spiritual bridge between the two countries and an important factor in promoting Uzbek pilgrimage tourism.

During the Q&A session, participants received clarifications on visa procedures, air travel systems, flight schedules, group tour organization and the capabilities of Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure.

Local authorities stressed that holding the event in Surabaya represents an important step in systematically promoting Uzbekistan as a tourist destination in East Java, establishing sustainable partnerships with regional tour operators, and advancing bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector.

As part of the visit, separate meetings were held with the leadership of several major Surabaya tour operators, including “An Namiroh Travel”, “Ebad Travel” and “Safira Travel”, each of which annually serves more than 12,000 pilgrims under “Umrah” and “Umrah+” programs.

During the discussions, prospects for developing joint travel packages under the “Umrah Plus Uzbekistan” program were explored, including logistics for group pilgrimage tours, air connections, adherence to halal standards and cooperation with local partners. Company representatives expressed interest in including Uzbekistan in their programs and readiness for practical collaboration.

The event received broad coverage in Indonesian media. Reports noted that Uzbekistan is consistently developing its pilgrimage tourism sector, harmoniously combining the heritage of the Great Silk Road with modern tools of tourism diplomacy, thereby strengthening its position as a significant center of Islamic tourism on the international stage.