Imam Bukhari Becomes a New Cooperation Door for Indonesia - Uzbekistan

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Culture has begun directing cultural cooperation with Uzbekistan to a more concrete path. In addition to highlighting the revitalization of the tomb complex and Imam Bukhari Mosque in Samarkand, Culture Minister Fadli Zon also encourages historical film collaboration and strengthening pilgrimage tourism between the two countries.

This was discussed by Fadli during a dialogue with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Indonesia Oybek Eshonov and the Governor of Samarkand Adiz Boboev at the Ministry of Culture, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday, April 6.

Menbud Fadli assessed that the Imam Bukhari mausoleum complex is not only an important historical site, but also part of the traces of Indonesia-Uzbekistan relations. He appreciated the steps of the Uzbek government which has revitalized the area.

"The tomb of Imam Bukhari in Samarkand is one of the centers of pilgrimage, history, culture and representation of bilateral relations between Indonesia and Uzbekistan. Now, the tomb of Imam Bukhari has been revitalized and renovated thanks to the government of Uzbekistan. And of course not only Imam Bukhari, because according to historical records, there are many scholars from Samarkand who came to Indonesia, for example Maulana Malik Ibrahim," said Fadli Zon.

He also encouraged co-production of Indonesian-Uzbekistani historical and cultural films. According to the Minister, films can be an effective tool for diplomacy, especially since the Indonesian film industry is growing rapidly.

"We strongly support collaboration, especially in the field of historical and cultural films between the two countries. Now Indonesian films are developing rapidly, Indonesian film audiences are already at 87 million, and the market share reaches 67 percent, so that films can become one of the important elements in Indonesian and Uzbek cultural diplomacy," he said.

In addition to films, Menbud Fadli is preparing to strengthen cooperation through artist residency programs, students, and cultural researchers, as well as cultural festivals, religious music, and historical tourism.

The Governor of Samarkand Adiz Boboev welcomed the direction of cooperation. "I appreciate Indonesia's support for the cultural programs we have implemented. Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Indonesia is still ongoing, and we are also committed to continuing to maintain relations and cultural diplomacy between the two countries," said the Governor of Samarkand.

At the end of the meeting, Fadli also opened the opportunity for cooperation in historical tourism to other ulama sites in Uzbekistan, such as Imam Tirmidzi and the Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, which are considered potentially interesting for Indonesian pilgrims.