Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Wednesday, Roeslani said the idea originated from President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Saudi Arabia in early May.
During the trip, Roeslani accompanied the President in a direct meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
At the meeting, the President conveyed Indonesia’s aspiration—as the country with the world’s largest Muslim population—to establish a Hajj Village in the Holy Land.
“Alhamdulillah, over the past six months, I have traveled to Saudi Arabia four times to follow up on this,” Roeslani said.
A positive response, he continued, came swiftly. That same evening, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally expressed his approval during a state dinner.
“This agreement was followed up at the end of July, when the regulation on property ownership by foreign institutions in Mecca and Medina was amended and will take effect this January,” he added.
Roeslani, who also serves as CEO of Danantara, noted that the revised regulation opens a legal pathway for Indonesia to make direct investments.
The Indonesian government was then asked to coordinate with the Royal Commission for Makkah, the Saudi government body responsible for managing land sales in Mecca.
In the process, he said, Indonesia followed a strict bidding mechanism. Eight land plots were offered, and the Indonesian government selected plot number six due to its relatively flat terrain and strategic location.
Competition, however, was intense, with around 90 bidders targeting the same plot.
Despite the fierce competition, Roeslani stated that Indonesia has successfully passed a crucial initial stage. The government, through Danantara, has signed a conditional sales and purchase agreement.
"Indonesia has taken the first step. Alhamdulillah, we have already signed a conditional sales and purchase agreement for the conditional acquisition,” Rosan emphasized.
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Translator: Andi/Fathur, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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