Waskita Karya Constructs Ka'bah's Mataf Area for Global Hajj Pilgrims
PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk continues to build infrastructure, not only domestically but also internationally, such as in the Middle East.
Waskita Karya is one of Indonesia’s construction companies with full operational licences and official presence in Saudi Arabia.
With these licences, the company can participate in various construction projects in the Middle East.
Previously, Waskita Karya completed several infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. One of its most monumental projects was the renovation of the open area surrounding the Ka’bah, known as the mataf, at the Grand Mosque.
The construction, carried out in 2013, was part of the King Abdullah Makkah Extension (KAME) project worth 59 million Saudi riyals.
During this year’s Hajj season, the Grand Mosque is once again filled with millions of Muslims worldwide. Indonesian pilgrims once again dominate, numbering 221,000.
“Previously, the mataf could only accommodate 48,000 pilgrims. After renovation, it can now hold over 105,000,” said Corporate Secretary Waskita Karya Ermy Puspa Yunita.
For Waskita, the expansion of the mataf area is not merely a construction project, but a demonstration of the company’s commitment to delivering infrastructure that benefits the international community.
The Grand Mosque is one of Islam’s central places of worship, visited annually by millions of pilgrims from various countries.
Meanwhile, for the temporary wall formwork, steel panels are used, while the base employs plywood and timber supports.
The mataf is not the only project Waskita Karya has completed in Saudi Arabia. The company also built the King Saud Fitness College in 2011 with a contract value of 16 million Saudi riyals.
Additionally, Waskita Karya constructed the King Saud University of Riyadh Techno Valley & Building Administration College in Riyadh in 2009, with a project value of 50 million Saudi riyals.
“The construction of several projects in Saudi Arabia strengthens Waskita Karya’s position as a contractor with 65 years of experience, having delivered over 100 infrastructure projects in the last decade, including skyscrapers, mosques, schools, connectivity infrastructure, airports, water infrastructure, and more – both nationally and internationally,” Ermy stated.
Moving forward, the company will continue to expand its international projects, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Waskita Karya’s management is confident in achieving this through various strategies, including strategic partnerships to more easily capture opportunities and participate in infrastructure tenders in Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries.