Waskita's Role in Saudi Arabia's Masjidil Haram Mataf Expansion Project

JAKARTA - PT Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk previously undertook the renovation of the open area surrounding the Kaaba, or mataf, at Masjidil Haram in Saudi Arabia as part of the King Abdullah Makkah Extension (KAME) project in 2013. The project was carried out to increase the capacity for pilgrims and umrah worshippers from around the world at Masjidil Haram. The mataf renovation was executed with a project value of 59 million Saudi riyals. Following the expansion, the capacity increased from accommodating approximately 48,000 worshippers to over 105,000. With the 2026 Hajj season approaching, Masjidil Haram will again host millions of Muslims from various countries, including 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims. Waskita Karya Corporate Secretary Ermy Puspa Yunita stated that the mataf expansion project is one of the company’s landmark projects in Saudi Arabia and a contribution to international infrastructure development. In its execution, Waskita employed formwork slab and cantilever beam methods, which served as temporary guides to shape the concrete structure according to design specifications. These methods were deemed to enhance work precision while saving construction time and costs. Additionally, for the beam wall formwork, panel baju was used, while the underside employed plywood and wooden battens. Waskita Karya is one of the Indonesian construction firms with full operational licensing and an official presence in Saudi Arabia, enabling it to participate in various infrastructure projects across the Middle East. In addition to the Masjidil Haram mataf project, the company has completed several other projects in Saudi Arabia, including the King Saud Fitness College in 2011 with a contract value of 16 million Saudi riyals, and the King Saud University of Riyadh Techno Valley & Building Administration College in Riyadh in 2009 worth 50 million Saudi riyals. Between 2010 and 2012, Waskita also constructed the 31-storey King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD). The company also worked on the Jeddah Flyover and King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Jeddah. Moving forward, Waskita Karya stated it will continue expanding its international project market, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, through partnership strategies to capture new infrastructure opportunities.