Indonesia is accelerating plans to build a dedicated “Hajj Village” in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with the government currently in the process of acquiring land that will serve as a residential hub for Indonesian pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.
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Investment Minister Rosan Roeslani said on Wednesday that negotiations are underway with the Royal Commission for Makkah City to finalize the land acquisition, as part of a broader effort to improve the accommodation and mobility of Indonesian pilgrims.
Several land plots have been offered by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, ranging in size from 25 to 85 hectares. Some are located just 1 kilometer from the Grand Mosque [Masjid al-Haram],” Rosan said at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta.
According to Rosan, some of the proposed plots are adjacent to Mecca’s central area, making them ideal for easing access for Indonesian worshippers to the Grand Mosque — one of the most visited religious sites in the word.
The project gained momentum following Saudi Arabia’s planned legal reforms that will, for the first time, allow foreign institutions to own land in Mecca. The new law is expected to take effect in January 2026.
Starting January, foreign entities will be allowed to hold land ownership rights in Mecca. We intend to take full advantage of this opportunity,” Rosan said.
He also credited the initiative to high-level diplomacy between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Once finalized, Indonesia will have full ownership of the land and the authority to design and build infrastructure tailored to the needs of its pilgrims.
The plots on offer vary in topography, including flatlands, hilly areas, and current residential zones. However, Rosan assured that the Saudi government would handle any necessary relocation of local residents, delivering the land in “clean condition.”
The offered prices include the cost of clearing the land of current occupants,” he confirmed.
In addition to the land deal, the Indonesian government has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive master plan for the Hajj Village, including zoning and infrastructure design. The planning phase is expected to be completed by October 2025
Funding for the project will be managed by Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, which is also chaired by Rosan.
(JAKARTA GLOBE.ID)