Indonesia moves to establish Hajj village in Mecca for pilgrims

Indonesia is moving swiftly to secure land in Mecca to build a dedicated Hajj village that will serve as a residential hub for its pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah, ahead of Saudi Arabia’s legal reform allowing foreign land ownership in the holy city starting January 2026.

Investment minister Rosan Roeslani told reporters at a briefing held at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta that negotiations were ongoing with the Royal Commission for Makkah City to finalize the land acquisition. 

He credited the initiative to high-level diplomatic engagement between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, noting that Indonesia would gain full ownership of the land and autonomy to design and build facilities specifically for its pilgrims.

The Hajj village aims to enhance mobility and comfort for Indonesia’s Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, with plots ranging in size from 25 to 85 hectares—some located as close as one kilometer from the Grand Mosque (Masjid al-Haram). 

Rosan assured that the Saudi government would manage any required relocation of current residents, with prices offered to Indonesia covering land clearance. “The price would also include the cost of clearing the land of current occupants.

Indonesia is expected to submit a comprehensive master plan by October 2025, detailing zoning, infrastructure design, and service delivery for the Hajj village. The development will be funded through Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, chaired by Rosan.

The move marks a significant milestone in Indonesia’s efforts to improve Hajj services for its citizens, who comprise one of the largest groups of pilgrims visiting Mecca annually.