Waskita Karya Confirms Continued Project Expansion into Saudi Arabia
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The state-owned construction company PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk (WSKT) has confirmed that it will continue to expand various projects abroad, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
“We are optimistic about achieving this step, driven by various strategies, including establishing strategic partnerships to more easily capture opportunities and participate in infrastructure project tenders in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries,” said WSKT Corporate Secretary Ermy Puspa Yunita in an official statement in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Ermy stated that the construction of several projects in Saudi Arabia has strengthened the company’s position as an international contractor.
“The development of numerous projects in Saudi Arabia reinforces Waskita Karya’s position as a contractor with 65 years of experience, having completed over 100 infrastructure projects in the last decade, including skyscrapers, mosques, schools, connectivity infrastructure, airports, and water infrastructure. This expertise extends not only nationally but also internationally,” Ermy noted.
Ermy revealed that the company has completed several infrastructure projects, the most monumental being the renovation of the Mataf area surrounding the Kaaba at Masjidil Haram in 2013. This was part of the King Abdullah Makkah Extension (KAME) project, valued at 59 million Saudi riyals.
She explained that the project aimed to increase capacity to accommodate more pilgrims, ensuring a more peaceful and comfortable worship experience. During the Hajj season, Masjidil Haram attracts millions of Muslims globally, with Indonesian pilgrims again dominating the numbers, reaching 221,000 pilgrims.
Ermy noted that the Mataf previously could only accommodate 48,000 pilgrims, but following the renovation, it can now hold more than 105,000 pilgrims.
“For Waskita, expanding the Mataf at Masjidil Haram is not merely about executing a project, but a manifestation of our commitment to providing infrastructure that benefits the international community, especially as Masjidil Haram is a sacred and spiritual destination for people worldwide,” said Ermy.
Ermy explained that the company utilised the formwork slab and cantilever beam method to complete the project, which serves as a temporary mould to create concrete structures according to the desired design, ensuring higher precision while saving time and costs. For the wall formwork, the company used panel baju, with plywood and timber peris used for the base.
In addition to the Mataf, the company worked on the King Saud Fitness College in 2011, with a contract value of 16 million riyals, and the King Saud University of Riyadh Techno Valley & Building Administration College in Riyadh in 2009, valued at 50 million Saudi riyals. Furthermore, between 2010 and 2012, the company constructed the 31-storey King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), as well as the Jeddah Flyover and King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Jeddah.