Gov’t Unveils Plan for Indonesian Village Near Masjid al-Haram to Support Hajj Pilgrims

President Prabowo Subianto delivers remarks during the inauguration of Hajj and Umrah Airport Terminal at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, on Sunday (05/04). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

President Prabowo Subianto announced on Sunday (05/04) a plan to build an “Indonesian Village” in Saudi Arabia to accommodate Hajj and umrah pilgrims.

The President said that he had expressed Indonesia’s intention to build an “Indonesian Village” near Masjid al-Haram during his recent meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, adding that  the Crown Prince responded positively to the proposal and agreed to further discuss the technical details in the near future.

“We will visit them and hopefully the plan can soon be approved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” he said during the inauguration of Hajj and Umrah Airport Terminal at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

According to the President, the proposed village will increase the efficiency of the Hajj travel budget given its close proximity with Masjid al-Haram.

This initiative is also expected to significantly reduce the costs borne by prospective pilgrims.

The Head of State also expressed his appreciation to his administration that had reduced Hajj cost by Rp4,000,000. Nevertheless, he affirmed that the Indonesian Government would strive to lower the cost.  (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RAS/EP)