Fahira Idris Supports Danantara's Acquisition of a Hotel in Mecca

JAKARTA - Member of the DPD RI Dapil DKI Jakarta Fahira Idris conveyed full support and appreciation for Danantara Indonesia's strategic move to officially acquire hotels and real estate in the Makkah area, Saudi Arabia. The acquisition of hospitality assets located about 2.5 kilometers from the Grand Mosque is considered a new milestone for Indonesia, especially in strengthening the independence and quality of services for pilgrims and umrah.

According to the Chairman of the General Assembly of the Indonesian Muslim Brotherhood (Parmusi), Danantara's move to acquire Novotel Makkah Thakher City with a capacity of 1,461 rooms and a development area of around 4.4 hectares is a visionary decision that has long-term impact.

Until now, Indonesia as a country with the largest number of pilgrims and umrah in the world has not had significant direct involvement in the ownership and management of accommodation assets in the Holy Land. Danantara's presence opens a new and very strategic chapter.

"Thank you and the highest appreciation to Danantara. This is not just a business investment, but a historic step that will bring great benefits to millions of Indonesian pilgrims. We are starting to build self-sufficiency in direct hajj and umrah services in Mecca," said Fahira Idris at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, December 18.

The Jakarta Senator assessed that the positive impact of this acquisition is very real for the implementation of the hajj and umrah. With Indonesia's direct involvement in the ownership of hospitality assets, the government has more room to ensure the standard of service, comfort, and security of the congregation.

In the medium to long term, this ownership also has the potential to help maintain the stability of accommodation costs, reduce dependence on third parties, and increase service certainty for Indonesian pilgrims.

In addition, the plan to develop an integrated hospitality area with a potential of up to 5,000 hotel rooms in the future is considered in line with the needs of Indonesian pilgrims who each year reach more than two million umrah pilgrims and more than two hundred thousand Hajj pilgrims.

The gradual development carried out prudently, based on feasibility studies, and in compliance with Saudi regulations shows Danantara's seriousness in managing state investments professionally.

Fahira Idris also appreciated Danantara's steps to partner with strategic local partners in Saudi Arabia. According to him, collaboration with local developers who understand the characteristics and regulations of Mecca is the key to the success of long-term development, as well as ensuring that the project runs in line with city planning and the interests of local authorities.

"What should be appreciated, Danantara places governance, prudence, and public values as the main foundation. This is important so that this investment is not only economically beneficial, but truly presents maslahat for the people," he added.

Fahira Idris hopes that this initial step can become the foundation for strengthening the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah ecosystem as a whole, ranging from accommodation, transportation, supporting services, to improving the quality of the pilgrims' worship experience. He also encourages the synergy between Danantara, the government, and Hajj stakeholders to continue to be strengthened so that the benefits of this investment can be optimally felt by the community.

"This is a new history. Hopefully, Danantara's steps in Mecca will be the beginning of a major transformation of Indonesia's haj and umrah services that are more independent, quality, and equitable," concluded Fahira Idris.