Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — President Prabowo Subianto has proposed the creation of an “Indonesian Village” in Saudi Arabia to serve as a dedicated space for Indonesian pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah.
Minister of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) Nasaruddin Umar shared the proposal during a briefing at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Friday (December 27, 2024).
“The President has floated the idea of establishing an Indonesian village, not only for Hajj pilgrims but also for Umrah pilgrims,” Nasaruddin said.
While details of the plan are still under discussion, Nasaruddin emphasized that the village could significantly streamline logistics and reduce costs for Indonesian pilgrims.
“This would be a highly efficient and cost-saving initiative,” he remarked, noting that the Ministry of Religious Affairs is exploring alternative measures to improve services for pilgrims in the interim. Discussions on the project are expected to resume after the 2025 Hajj season.
“In the meantime, we’re evaluating various alternatives to ensure more efficient and effective solutions for Indonesia’s future pilgrim needs,” he added.
Hajj Village in Mecca
President Prabowo’s commitment to building a Hajj village in Mecca aligns with his broader goal of improving services for Indonesian pilgrims. Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs HR Muhammad Syafi’i reiterated the President’s concerns about the current challenges faced by Indonesian pilgrims.
“President Prabowo is committed to providing top-notch services to Indonesian pilgrims, many of whom save for years to perform Hajj,” Syafi’i said during the soft launch of the Hajj Financial Management Agency’s (BPKH) new app in Padang, West Sumatra, on November 2, 2024.
The initiative has received positive feedback from Saudi authorities, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to Syafi’i, the Crown Prince has allocated 50 hectares of land in Mecca for the proposed village under a 100-year concession. However, due to logistical and administrative challenges, progress on the project has been delayed.
China to Build World’s Largest Artificial Island Airport in Dalian
As Indonesia wait for the Hajj Village realization, Syafi’i noted that hotels might be leased for the next three to four years to accommodate Indonesian pilgrims.
“While the Hajj village is still a work in progress, this approach ensures that the President’s commitment to the welfare of Indonesian pilgrims remains evident,” he stated.
The proposed Indonesian village in Saudi Arabia reflects President Prabowo’s broader vision of enhancing the Hajj and Umrah experience for Indonesia’s pilgrims, ensuring that they receive the care and services they deserve during their spiritual journey.
(Raidi/Agung)
