An Indonesian compound near Grand Mosque in Makkah is expected to increase the efficiency of the hajj travel budget, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has said.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – President Prabowo Subianto has said that his government is planning to build an Indonesian compound in Saudi Arabia.

President Prabowo made the remark in his speech at the inauguration of the Special Hajj and Umrah Terminal at the 2F terminal of Indonesia’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, on Sunday.

"I have also asked for time to meet the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and there I discussed our efforts with the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Muhammad bin Salman the last time I met him," the president said.

"I said that Indonesia has an intention to build an Indonesian compound in the Holy Land as close as possible to the Grand Mosque," the head of state pointed out.

The president also told about the positive response from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia regarding the plan and an invitation from the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to immediately discuss technical matters.

The Indonesian compound near the Grand Mosque is expected to increase the efficiency of the hajj travel budget, he said, adding that the hajj costs that would be borne by prospective pilgrims would be much cheaper.

"So insyaa Allah (God willing), we will have our own compound and we will make it efficient. I also ask flights of Garuda (Indonesian flag carrier) to be made efficient. All efforts are made to eliminate unnecessary things. Efficiency can reduce costs and that is what we must achieve now," according to the president.

He also appreciated the efforts made by the government to reduce the cost of this year's hajj by four million rupiahs. However, he said that the government would continue to try to reduce the cost of the hajj so that it is more affordable for the people.

Reporting by Indonesia Window