Head of Presidential Staff Office Dudung Receives Saudi Ambassador, Discusses Investments to Hajj Village
According to a statement from the Presidential Staff Office team, the meeting was held at the Presidential Staff Office in Jakarta on Thursday (7/5/2026). Saudi Ambassador Faisal Bin Abdullah H. Amodi opened the meeting by expressing appreciation and congratulations on Dudung’s appointment as Head of the Presidential Staff Office.
One of the main focuses of the meeting was to realise Saudi Arabia’s investment commitments in Indonesia. The Saudi Ambassador highlighted the USD 27 billion (approximately Rp 437 trillion) investment commitment agreed during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Saudi Arabia in July 2025.
Combined with the USD 15 billion investment commitment from King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud’s visit in March 2017, the total Saudi investment commitments to Indonesia have reached more than USD 40 billion.
The Saudi government hopes for follow-up actions on the ground regarding these commitments, particularly in the fields of renewable energy and the environment.
Regarding Hajj arrangements, the Saudi Ambassador assured that the safety and security of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are guaranteed. Currently, Saudi Arabia has issued 230,000 visas for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, the largest number in the world or about 10% of the total Hajj pilgrims.
Dudung, who also served as Amirul Hajj for Indonesia in 2025, stated that issues in managing Hajj pilgrims are now fewer and well-handled. Dudung also emphasised President Prabowo’s serious attention to advocating for the construction of the Indonesian Hajj Village in Mecca.
On the same occasion, the Saudi government requested a visa-free entry policy to Indonesia for its citizens, referring to similar policies implemented by several Muslim countries such as Malaysia. In addition, Saudi Arabia also sought Dudung’s support for the next High Coordinating Council meeting to be held in Indonesia to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
As a follow-up, the Presidential Staff Office affirmed it would soon coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding plans to follow up on President Prabowo’s state visit and the visa-free request. The Presidential Staff Office will also coordinate with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to oversee Hajj implementation and plan further meetings with the Saudi Embassy.
As a gesture of respect and close familial relations, the Saudi government extended an official invitation to Prabowo, as well as Dudung and his wife, to be Royal Guests during the 2027 Hajj season, which Dudung acknowledged with thanks.