Waskita Targets Middle East Projects, Leveraging Track Record from Kaaba Mataf Expansion
PT Waskota Karya (Persero) Tbk is strengthening its expansion efforts into the Middle Eastern construction market by utilising its track record of projects completed in Saudi Arabia. The company stands as one of the Indonesian contractors possessing full operational licences and an official presence in the country.
Waskita Karya’s Corporate Secretary, Ermy Puspa Yunita, stated that the experience of executing several strategic projects in Saudi Arabia serves as vital capital for the company to capture infrastructure development opportunities across the Middle East region. One notable project undertaken by Waskita was the renovation of the Mataf area, the circumambulation area around the Kaaba in the Masjid al-Haram, Makkah. This project, part of the King Abdullah Makkah Extension (KAME) expansion, was completed in 2013 with a contract value reaching 59 million Saudi riyals.
The renovation was designed to increase the capacity of the tawaf area to accommodate more pilgrims. Following the project’s completion, the capacity of the Mataf increased from approximately 48,000 pilgrims to over 105,000.
“Previously, the Mataf could only accommodate 48,000 pilgrims, but after the renovation, it can hold more than 105,000. For Waskita, expanding the Mataf of Masjid al-Haram is not merely about executing a project, but is a manifestation of our commitment to providing infrastructure that benefits the international community,” Ermy said in a statement on Wednesday.
According to Ermy, the project employed formwork slab and cantilever beam methods to enhance construction precision while supporting time and cost efficiency. In addition to the Mataf al-Haram project, Waskita has completed several other projects in Saudi Arabia, including the King Saud Fitness College in 2011, the King Saud University of Riyadh Techno Valley & Building Administration College in 2009, and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) business area built between 2010 and 2012. The company was also involved in the construction of the Jeddah Flyover and the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Jeddah.
Ermy noted that this experience strengthens Waskita’s position as a national contractor with international project expertise. Over the last decade, the company has been involved in the construction of more than 100 infrastructure projects across various sectors.
“The construction of several 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 10 years,” Ermy added. Moving forward, Waskita aims to expand its overseas project portfolio, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, by preparing strategies such as strengthening strategic partnerships to increase opportunities for participating in infrastructure tenders in the region.