Minister of Investment Gives Report on Land Ownership in Mecca
Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Roeslani delivers his statement to the media at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (07/30) (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat)
President Prabowo Subianto received a report from Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Rosan Roeslani, in a meeting held with several ministers of the Red and White Cabinet at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (07/30). One of the issues discussed in the meeting was the progress of Indonesia’s strategic initiative regarding land ownership in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It is a historic policy to be implemented for the first time under Saudi Arabia regulation.
The report was an update to the results of President Prabowo’s meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). “Mr. President received updates on some initiatives that we are undertaking, including the process of land purchasing in Mecca, since it will go through a process that has been started by the Royal Commission for Mecca,” Rosan said to the media after the meeting.
According to Rosan, this policy allows foreigners to acquire freehold land in Mecca. “Saudi Arabia is willing to amend its law to allow foreign ownership of land in Mecca. So, the land will acquire freehold status. [The law] is amended for the first time,” he explained.
The Minister further added that this new regulation will come into effect in January 2026. The Saudi Government has offered eight plots of land, each located approximately one to two kilometers from Masjid al-Haram (Grand Mosque), even, some plots are adjacent to the Mosque. In addition, the Saudi Government also asked the Indonesian Government to propose a design and infrastructure by next October.
Rosan also asserted that this agreement is not subject to special conditions or exchange of policies. “This was a direct request from the President and approved by the Crown Prince, so the process has started and it is a real proof that [the plan] as conveyed by the President, Insha Allah, can be realized,” he said, adding that Danantara will lead this project.
In regard to the price and width of land, he said that each plot has different characteristic.
“The plots of land vary in size from 25 to over 80 hectares. The larger ones maybe located not as close as those of, let’s say, only 15 hectares,” he explained.
The Minister ensured that the acquisition and relocation of inhabited land will become the responsibility of the Saudi Government. He also expressed hope that this project will run smoothly.
“It is a noble project, initiated by the President, Insha Allah, the process will run well. Please pray for this great project, as it can provide huge benefits to our future hajj and umrah,” he said.
(BPMI Setpres) (DL/MMB)
