Mataf at Masjid al-Haram, Renovated by Waskita, Can House 105,000 Worshippers

Renovation of the mataf area at the Masjid al-Haram, undertaken by PT Waskita Karya, has increased the capacity for worshippers performing tawaf around the Kaaba. The area can now accommodate more than 105,000 worshippers, up from about 48,000 previously.

Ermy Puspa Yunita, Corporate Secretary of Waskita Karya, said the increased capacity is expected to support worshippers’ comfort during prayer, including during peak periods such as Nuzul al-Quran. In that period, millions of worshippers crowd Masjid al-Haram to perform tawaf, sunnah prayers, iktikaf and the completion of the Quran.

‘Sebelumnya mataf hanya bisa menampung 48 ribu jemaah, namun sekarang dapat memuat hingga lebih dari 105 ribu jemaah,’ Ermy dalam keterangan resmi di Jakarta, Jumat (6/3/2026).

Ermy explained that the renovation project carried out in 2013 included adding levels to the Masjid al-Haram from three to nine floors. Waskita also undertook various construction works such as mock-up design, mataf construction, and iron fabrication.

According to Ermy, the project used formwork slab and cantilever beam methods to shape the concrete structure with precision. Wall and beam formwork used ‘baju’ panels, while the lower portions used plywood and wooden shims.

‘Bagi Waskita, memperluas Mataf Masjidil Haram bukan sekadar mengerjakan proyek, tapi wujud komitmen kami dalam menghadirkan infrastruktur yang bermanfaat bagi dunia internasional. Apalagi, Masjidil Haram merupakan tempat suci dan spiritual yang selalu menjadi tujuan masyarakat dunia,’ ucap Ermy.

Ermy said the company hopes to broaden overseas project opportunities in the future. This move is seen as strengthening Waskita Karya’s position as a contractor with more than 65 years of experience delivering various infrastructure projects.

For reference, the Mataf works are part of the King Abdullah Makkah Extension (KAME) project with a contract value of 59 million Saudi riyals. In addition to that project, Waskita has previously carried out the King Saud Fitness College in 2011 and King Saud University of Riyadh Techno Valley & Building Administration College in 2009.

Waskita also built the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) from 2010 to 2012. The financial district covers about 61,200 square metres and comprises 31 floors.