JAKARTA — As the blessed month of Ramadhan 1447 Hijri approaches, Indonesia is making history as the first country permitted to own property in Mecca and Medina to strengthen Hajj and Umrah services.
This milestone confirms Indonesia’s permanent presence in the Holy Land through ownership of strategic assets for the benefit of pilgrims.
This achievement was realized through the Indonesian Hajj Village project managed by BPI Danantara under the direction of President Prabowo Subianto.
The acquisition of the Novotel Thakher Makkah Hotel and approximately 4.4 to five hectares of land in the Thakher City area, which is 1–3 kilometers from the Grand Mosque, marks the realization of the Indonesian Hajj Village project.
Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar emphasized that Saudi Arabia had never given this privilege to other countries.
“I need to convey that the Hajj village is a sign of our President’s close relationship with MBS (Muhammad bin Salman), making us the first country to be given the opportunity to purchase property in the cities of Mecca and Medina,” he said.
“No other country has achieved something like this except Indonesia,” said Nasaruddin Umar.
He added that the Saudi government had issued an official decree allowing foreign ownership of property in the holy city.
“We have acquired a fairly large area of land, perhaps around 60 hectares, between 1 and 3 kilometers from the Kaaba,” he said.
“But later there will be a tunnel connecting the Grand Mosque with the Indonesian village,” he continued.
This success was also confirmed by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi after receiving a report from the CEO of BPI Danantara.
“So Mr. Rosan reported that we have won the bidding and we now have our own hotel in Mecca,” said Prasetyo.
“What is extraordinary about the President is that for the first time, the Saudi Arabian government has changed the rules regarding whether a country can own assets in Saudi Arabia,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, BPI Danantara Head Rosan Roeslani stated that construction of the Indonesian Hajj Village is scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
“Construction is planned for the fourth quarter of 2026,” said Rosan.
Ownership of these assets is expected to increase comfort, efficiency, and reduce the costs of organizing the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages for millions of Indonesian pilgrims in the future. (*)