Jakarta (ANTARA) - An Indonesian lawmaker said the soon-to-be-established Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will provide integrated services for pilgrims, including safety and health guidance during their journeys.

The new institution will become the 49th ministry under President Prabowo Subianto's administration and is expected to have offices down to the regional level to strengthen Hajj education across Indonesia.

"Hajj is not merely a formal routine, but must contribute to the development of the nation's character," said Maman Imanul Haq, a member of the House of Representatives' (DPR) Commission VIII, in a statement on Tuesday.

During a plenary session, the DPR approved a bill on the implementation of Hajj and Umrah, formally establishing the ministry.

The legislation requires coordination with the Health Ministry to ensure pilgrims' medical readiness before departure, in response to Saudi Arabia's criticism over the high number of Indonesian pilgrims who have died during the Hajj.

Haq added that the ministry will also tighten Umrah regulations, while still allowing travel agencies and organizers to send pilgrims.

Commission VIII is targeting swift ratification of the law, to be followed by government regulations. This step aligns with the Saudi government's accelerated reforms of its Hajj system.

Under the new rules, Indonesian pilgrims will be guaranteed services ranging from accommodation and catering to return flights, in line with international standards.

The ministry is also tasked with strengthening communication with Saudi Arabia to match the pace of system and service transformation in the Holy Land, Haq said.

He stressed that the ministry's establishment responds to public needs and demands for modernization of Hajj and Umrah governance, while also mandating post-Hajj evaluations.

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