Government to Build Shelters for Indonesian Hajj Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
Wednesday, 22 October, 2008 | 15:31 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The government will build four accommodation towers for Indonesian hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia that can house 100,000 people as there have been problems related to shelters.

“The government is trying to work together with property companies,” said Religious Affairs Minister Maftuh Basyuni yesterday (21/10).

The Indonesian government has signed agreements twice with two property companies in Saudi Arabia.

The first agreement was to build three towers with rental cost of 1,650 Saudi Arabian Riyals (SAR) per person.

But the project has not yet been realized because of a land dispute matter.

The second agreement is the most recent agreement with a rental cost of 1,800 SAR per person.

However, the construction at Masjidil Haram in Mecca has changed again, with the rental costs rising to 2,000 SAR for the first three years and 2,500 SAR from the fourth to the tenth year.

The price could be reduced or even increased by five percent after negotiations in the 11th year.

The government plans to once again invite the Saudi Arabian property companies to discuss the prices next month.

Construction of the towers will be start this year, take two years to complete and be ready to use in the third year.

Director for Hajj organizing and information system M. Abdul Ghafur Djawahir said the tower construction was a long-term plan.

Meanwhile, government will renting some shelters until construction is finished. “We will rent shelters immediately before the Hajj season starts,” he said.

AQIDA SWAMURTI