Developing a Comprehensive Pilgrim Hub in Mecca
Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, is moving forward with the initial planning for the “Kampung Haji” initiative in Mecca, a project designed to provide high-quality lodging and comprehensive services for Indonesian pilgrims. In an initial review, the fund evaluated 10 potential land options and three major project sites, marking a crucial step in the selection process. The vision for Kampung Haji is to create a full-service hub that will not only offer comfortable accommodations but also provide essential facilities such as healthcare clinics and Hajj pilgrimage training centers, all within a strategic location. According to Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani, this initiative is expected to significantly enhance the comfort, safety, and overall efficiency for the millions of Indonesian citizens who travel to Mecca for Hajj and Umrah each year. This ambitious project, aligned with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto, underscores the government’s commitment to improving the pilgrimage experience for its citizens.
High-Level Engagement with Saudi Authorities
To ensure the successful realization of the Kampung Haji project, Danantara has been actively engaged in high-level discussions with key Saudi Arabian authorities. Danantara CEO Rosan Roeslani recently conducted a working visit to Jeddah and Mecca, demonstrating the agency’s full commitment to overseeing the project from its inception. During this visit, Roeslani held important meetings with various officials, including representatives from the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC), which is responsible for planning and development in the holy city. Additionally, in collaboration with the Indonesian Hajj Management Agency (BP Haji), Danantara met with officials from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Ministry of Investment to discuss the project’s vision. Roeslani emphasized that the focus is not merely on proximity to the Masjid al-Haram, but on ensuring that all aspects, including technical feasibility, legal compliance, and sustainable management, are meticulously addressed to provide pilgrims with the highest quality of facilities and safety.
New Regulations Pave the Way for Acquisition
The timing of this initiative is particularly opportune, thanks to recent legislative changes by the Saudi government. New regulations have been announced that now permit foreign entities, including organizations and companies, to legally own property in Mecca. These new provisions are expected to be issued soon, which will create a safe and legal framework for Indonesia to acquire strategic assets in the Holy Land. The Kampung Haji project is a direct beneficiary of this new legal landscape, as it allows Indonesia to secure a permanent, high-quality presence in Mecca for its citizens. This project is part of a broader government initiative aimed at not only improving the services available to Indonesian Hajj and Umrah pilgrims but also at strengthening strategic diplomatic and economic ties with Saudi Arabia. This convergence of national planning and favorable international policy positions Indonesia to achieve its long-held goal of establishing dedicated facilities for its pilgrims.
