Indonesian Firm Waskita Karya Completes Major Mecca Infrastructure Projects, Enhancing Pilgrim Capacity

PT Waskita Karya, an Indonesian state-owned construction company, has completed several major infrastructure projects in the Middle East, notably the extensive renovation of the mataf, the open area surrounding the Kaaba in Mecca. This monumental project, completed in 2013 as part of the King Abdullah Makkah Extension, significantly increased the mataf's capacity from 48,000 to over 105,000 pilgrims. The expansion aims to provide a more comfortable and serene worship experience for the millions of Muslims who visit the Grand Mosque annually. Ermy Puspa Yunita, Corporate Secretary of Waskita Karya, stated that the project represents more than just a construction job; it embodies the company's commitment to delivering beneficial infrastructure for the international community. She emphasized that the Grand Mosque is consistently filled with worshippers from around the globe, eager to perform their rituals and connect with the Kaaba. The article also notes that on the eve of 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriyah (June 16, 2026), pilgrims can witness the changing of the kiswah, the cloth covering the Kaaba. This ceremony, previously held on 9 Dhu al-Hijjah, has been moved to 1 Muharram to mark the Islamic New Year with a fresh, clean Kaaba. Waskita Karya views its contribution to this sacred site as a testament to its competence, credibility, and competitiveness in the global construction industry. Beyond the mataf, the company's portfolio in Saudi Arabia includes the King Saud Fitness College, King Saud University's Techno Valley, the King Abdullah Financial District, Jeddah Flyover, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital, showcasing its diverse capabilities in large-scale construction.