Jeddah — The governments of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have initiated discussions to develop a “Hajj Village” as part of a broader strategic cooperation agenda between the two nations. Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkifli Hasan, confirmed that preliminary talks on the project had taken place during recent high-level meetings with Saudi officials.

“Regarding the planned construction of the Hajj Village, it was conveyed that a joint team will be established to study potential avenues for cooperation between the Saudi and Indonesian governments,” said Mochamad Irfan Yusuf, Head of the Hajj Management Agency, in a press briefing in Jeddah on Wednesday (July 2).

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar explained that forming this joint study team represents an initial step toward designing a technical collaboration framework and drafting the necessary regulatory instruments.

“In line with the President’s directive, we have already coordinated with the Hajj Management Agency (BPH) to promptly begin preparing legislation to govern this initiative,” he noted.

Coordinating Minister Zulkifli Hasan added that, beyond the Hajj Village, the bilateral talks also covered a wide array of topics, including the acceleration of a free trade agreement and plans for strategic investments in the energy sector.

“God willing, under President Prabowo’s leadership, this Hajj Village will become a reality. We ask for everyone’s prayers,” he said.

“Up until now, our cooperation has primarily focused on matters of Umrah, Hajj, and labor. Going forward, both sides are eager to broaden these partnerships into other sectors.”

During the discussions, he also underscored the need to resolve various technical barriers that have long impeded Indonesian exports to the Saudi market.

“For this reason, the President requested that the Crown Prince personally intervene to help expedite the process, as he holds the highest authority in these matters,” Zulkifli explained.