After meeting Prabowo at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon, Roeslani said that the project was initiated by the president and approved during his meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).
“I am reporting the process of land purchasing in Mecca. The process was initiated by the Royal Commission of Mecca, where they already offered several plots very close to Mecca,” he informed.
The minister noted that the major change underlying the project was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s decision to amend land ownership laws in Mecca.
For the first time, foreign parties, including Indonesians, will be granted full land ownership rights in the area, Roeslani said.
“The law has begun to be amended and will take effect in January 2026. This is a direct response from the Kingdom to President Prabowo’s request,” he informed.
Related news: President, minister visit Saudi Arabia for Hajj talks
According to the minister, Indonesia has also been asked to submit infrastructure designs and development plans before October this year.
The offered land consists of eight plots of varying terrain, ranging from flat to hilly, and sizes, ranging from 25 hectares to over 80 hectares.
Although some locations are still inhabited, Roeslani said that relocation and compensation will be the sole responsibility of the Saudi Arabian government.
“Indonesia will only accept land in a ‘clean and clear’ condition,” he emphasized.
He said that the project will be managed by a consortium led by Danantara, a state investment institution, and may involve a joint financing scheme between the government and state-owned enterprises.
Besides accommodation facilities and services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, the Indonesian Hajj Village will also include a commercial area, he disclosed.
Related news: Prabowo seeks Saudi approval for Indonesian pilgrims’ village in Mecca
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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