Danantara Aims For Giant Land In Makkah To Build Hajj Village, 2.5 Times Of SCBD

JAKARTA - The Anagata Nusantara Power Investment Management Agency (BPI Danantara) revealed that the government is now in the process of buying 80 hectares (ha) of land in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for the construction of the Hajj Village project.

The land is 2.5 times the equivalent of the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD) area in Jakarta.

Danantara Indonesia Chief Investment Officer (CIO) Pandu Sjahrir revealed that his party is in the process of offering and preparing land purchase documents that already have a permit.

We are trying to buy 80 hectares of land plus. And now we will also buy some of the surrounding land that has been completed with the permits. This is also to expand in a way we want to introduce Indonesia to the world," he said in Jakarta, Wednesday, November 19.

Furthermore, Pandu said the Hajj village was prioritized for commercial purposes. Later in the area, culinary outlets, hospitals, hospitality, and others will be opened.

"Here we will start from food and beverages, modest fashion, tourism, pharmaceuticals, media, and possibly sharia businesses, because 80 hectares are the same as 2.5 times SCBD," said Pandu.

According to Pandu, this Hajj village was indeed built to accommodate the various needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia. However, it is also hoped that it can attract visitors from various countries.

"So people's places, and not Indonesians, people who like Indonesia or are curious about Indonesia. So we see the construction of the Hajj Village to induce Indonesia around the world," said Pandu.

Pandu said, with the project, it is hoped that Indonesian businesses can be more global. Therefore, Pandu asked for the support of all parties so that the project would run smoothly.

"We were given access to the first time it was opened in Makkah to be able to buy land directly. That's what we are as the largest Islamic country, of course we will want a bidding. So this is what we do, please pray, we can get it," he said.