Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia has invited Uzbekistan to co-produce historical and cultural films, as part of efforts to deepen bilateral cultural diplomacy and creative industry cooperation.“We strongly support collaboration, especially in historical and cultural films. Indonesia’s film industry is growing rapidly, with 87 million viewers and a 67 percent market share,” Culture Minister Fadli Zon said in a statement on Tuesday.He said film could serve as a key instrument of cultural diplomacy between Indonesia and Uzbekistan, helping expand mutual understanding through shared narratives.Zon added that several initiatives are underway to strengthen cultural ties, including residency programs for artists, students and cultural researchers from both countries.He emphasized the importance of promoting Indonesian culture through festivals, religious music and historical tourism to build broader engagement.The minister also expressed hope that both nations would continue advancing collaboration by integrating culture, history and tourism into their diplomatic agenda.“In addition to the Imam Bukhari tomb complex, we can explore cooperation in historical tourism linked to other sites in Uzbekistan, such as the tombs of Imam Tirmidhi and the Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, which may attract Indonesian pilgrims,” he said.Zon made the remarks during a meeting with Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Indonesia Oybek Eshonov and Samarkand Governor Adiz Boboev.He also praised Uzbekistan’s efforts to revitalize the Imam Bukhari tomb and mosque complex in Samarkand.According to Zon, the site holds historical significance in Indonesia–Uzbekistan relations and reflects early cultural diplomacy between the two countries.He noted that the revitalization was carried out at the request of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, underscoring longstanding ties.Boboev welcomed Indonesia’s support for ongoing cultural initiatives and reaffirmed Samarkand’s commitment to strengthening cooperation.“Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Indonesia continues, and we are committed to further advancing cultural diplomacy between our countries,” he said.Both sides signaled readiness to expand collaboration across creative sectors, with film seen as a strategic entry point for broader cultural exchange.The initiative is expected to boost tourism flows, deepen people-to-people links and strengthen bilateral relations through shared cultural heritage.