Tangerang, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced plans on Sunday to build an “Indonesian Village” near Mecca to support the country’s growing number of Muslim pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia each year.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Hajj and Umrah Terminal 2F at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport near Jakarta, Prabowo said the planned residential and service hub will cater to more than two million Indonesian citizens who travel annually for religious pilgrimages.
“I have already conveyed our request to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Prabowo said. “We want to build a permanent area, as close as possible to the Grand Mosque, that can house and serve our pilgrims.”
The initiative, if approved by the Saudi government, would mark the first time Indonesia has established a permanent logistical base in Saudi Arabia to manage Hajj and Umrah services for its citizens. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, is also the biggest sender of Hajj pilgrims.
According to Prabowo, more than 2.2 million Indonesians travel to Saudi Arabia annually for Hajj and Umrah, with up to 12,000 making the trip each day during peak periods. The government says these numbers justify a dedicated complex to reduce dependency on local Saudi service providers and ensure better comfort and safety for pilgrims.
“The Crown Prince responded positively during our last meeting,” Prabowo added, expressing optimism about gaining approval for the development.
The proposed “Kampung Indonesia” would include lodging facilities, healthcare services, logistics hubs, and other support systems. It is intended to streamline the organization and mobility of Indonesian pilgrims, which have long been challenged by logistical bottlenecks and rising travel costs.
To move the project forward, Prabowo has appointed Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar as Indonesia’s official envoy to engage in technical discussions with Saudi officials.
“If approved, this will allow us to be more efficient with our flights and services,” Prabowo said, adding that the government has asked national airline Garuda Indonesia to conduct an internal review to cut unnecessary costs in pilgrimage operations.
Improving affordability and efficiency in Hajj and Umrah services has become a key issue for the Indonesian government in recent years. Rising travel expenses and reports of overcrowding during pilgrimage seasons have fueled public demand for more organized and transparent management.
By building a dedicated village in Mecca, the Indonesian government hopes to professionalize its pilgrimage operations and reduce recurring logistical challenges. The project is also seen as part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral ties between Jakarta and Riyadh.
Indonesia has strengthened its engagement with Saudi Arabia in recent years, focusing on religious diplomacy, energy cooperation, and labor relations. Saudi Arabia, for its part, has welcomed Indonesia’s increased involvement in managing its citizens abroad, especially during major religious events.
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President Prabowo emphasized that the village would not only provide practical services but also serve as a symbol of Indonesia’s active presence in the Islamic world.
“We want to be seen and recognized in the Holy Land. This is about respect, dignity, and better service for our people,” he said.
No timeline or budget for the project has been officially announced, but officials say early talks with Saudi counterparts have been encouraging. Jakarta is expected to pursue the plan through both diplomatic channels and business-to-business partnerships.
The terminal inauguration and village proposal come amid broader efforts by the Indonesian government to reform the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, including digital registration systems and increased scrutiny over travel agents.
With the world’s largest annual religious gathering drawing millions to Saudi Arabia each year, Indonesia’s plan is being closely watched by other Muslim-majority nations seeking to improve services for their pilgrims.
(Raya)
