Mataf at Masjid al-Haram, Operated by Waskita, Ready to Accommodate Hundreds of Thousands of Worshippers
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - On the eve of Nuzulul Quran, Muslims are urged to maximise acts of worship. They often flock to mosques not only to pray but also to enliven the night by reading the Qur’an. Nuzulul Quran marks the moment of the first revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through the Angel Gabriel and falls on the 17th day of Ramadan.
Every year, Nuzulul Quran becomes a special moment at Masjid al-Haram in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Mataf — the tawaf area around the Ka’bah. Millions of worshippers crowd the site to undertake worship, from tawaf and sunnah prayers to iktikaf and completing the Qur’an.
Since its renovation by PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk in 2013, Mataf can now accommodate more people. This allows worshippers to perform their rites with greater calm and comfort during their stay.
“Previously Mataf could only accommodate 48,000 worshippers, but now it can hold more than 105,000 worshippers,” said Ermy Puspa Yunita, Corporate Secretary of Waskita Karya, in a formal statement on Friday (6 March 2026). She noted that the firm expanded the levels at Masjid al-Haram from three to nine. Waskita also undertook other works such as design or mock-up, Mataf development, and iron fabrication.
Ermy explained the construction method used: formwork slabs and cantilever beams served as a temporary reference frame for erecting the concrete structure according to the design, improving precision and saving time and costs. For the shuttering or temporary wall panels, the company used a panel system, with plywood and timber at the base.
“For Waskita, expanding the Mataf Masjid al-Haram is not merely about completing a project; it is our commitment to delivering infrastructure that benefits the international community. Masjid al-Haram is a sacred and spiritual site that has always been a global destination,” Ermy said.
Looking ahead, she added, the company hopes to undertake more overseas projects, thereby strengthening Waskita Karya’s position as an experienced contractor in infrastructure with a history of over 65 years in the field.
As a reminder, the Mataf works form part of the King Abdullah Makkah Extension (KAME) project. In addition to the Mataf project valued at 59 million Saudi riyals, Waskita has also been trusted to build King Saud Fitness College in 2011 and King Saud University’s Riyadh Techno Valley and Building Administration College in Riyadh in 2009, with contract values of 16 million riyals and 50 million riyals respectively.
From 2010 to 2012, Waskita also built the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The Saudi financial hub spans an area of 61.2 square metres per segment (m2) and comprises 31 storeys.