RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties and expand religious tourism, People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Ahmad Muzani has called for the opening of direct flights between Indonesia and Uzbekistan.

He argued that such connectivity would make it easier for Indonesian pilgrims to visit the tomb of Imam Bukhari in Uzbekistan before continuing their journey to perform umrah in Saudi Arabia. Muzani conveyed the proposal during a meeting with Chairperson of the Senate of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis, Tanzila Narbayeva, on Monday, June 29, 2026, in Uzbekistan.

“Religious tourism in Uzbekistan will be highly attractive for Indonesian pilgrims who wish to visit Imam Bukhari’s tomb before continuing their umrah pilgrimage. This way, they can transit in Uzbekistan before heading to Mecca and Medina,” Muzani explained in a written statement, as quoted by Antara.

Beyond connectivity, Muzani and Narbayeva also discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in the halal industry. He noted that both countries, with their majority Muslim populations, hold significant potential to develop halal products not only for religious needs but also as part of a growing global economic sector.

“The global Muslim population is projected to reach nearly 30 percent of the world’s total by 2030. This represents a vast consumer base that requires certainty in products aligned with sharia principles,” he said, expressing hope for mutually beneficial collaboration.

Muzani further highlighted the historical ties between Indonesia and Uzbekistan, recalling that Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, had expressed a desire to visit Imam Bukhari’s tomb, a gesture that helped lay the foundation for enduring bilateral friendship.

He concluded by emphasizing the importance of strengthening cooperation not only in economy and tourism but also through parliamentary exchanges, ensuring that relations between the two nations continue to flourish across multiple sectors. ***

https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5627801/muzani-dorong-penerbangan-langsung-ri-uzbekistan