“Today’s event is not a competition. It is an evening of friendship and solidarity,” said Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Oybek Eshonov, at the opening of the cultural event in Jakarta on Wednesday (October 1).
Eshonov noted that while Indonesia is geographically distant, it is close to Uzbekistan’s heart due to cultural and spiritual bonds, shared values, and similar traditions.
Through the collaboration between the Uzbekistan State Dance Ensemble “Bahor” and an Indonesian dance troupe, Eshonov expressed hope that relations between the peoples of the two countries would grow even closer.
“Events like this bring our peoples closer together, help us understand each other’s cultures, and promote people-to-people programs,” he said, adding that such initiatives would pave the way for long-term cultural cooperation.
"I am confident that today's cultural program will develop into long-term cooperation," the ambassador said.
Deputy Minister of Culture of Indonesia, Giring Ganesha Djumaryo, who represented the government at the event, also expressed appreciation for the joint performance.
He highlighted that Indonesia and Uzbekistan are not only linked through contemporary cooperation but also share deep historical ties, particularly in Islamic history.
Uzbekistan, he noted, is the birthplace of Imam Bukhari, one of the most respected scholars in the Muslim world.
“These collaborative performances show that art can serve as a living bridge between our nations,” Giring said.
On the occasion, he also congratulated Uzbekistan on its Independence Day, celebrated annually on September 1. "Your joy is our joy, as friends and partners,” he said.
The joint concert, themed “Heritage in Harmony and Unity through Culture”, featured a range of traditional dances that reflected creativity, harmony, social values, morality, and the rich cultural heritage of both countries.
Related news: The Centre of Islamic Civilisation in Uzbekistan: Heritage & knowledge
Related news: Indonesia works with Uzbekistan to accelerate gender equality
Related news: Indonesia to boost trade cooperation with Uzbekistan
Translator: Katriana
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
