"The number of pilgrimage guides for women is not yet optimal. This [plan] is good news, especially for women Hajj pilgrims, as it will make Hajj services more women-friendly," Fauzi said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.
For this year's Hajj pilgrimage, Fauzi is the sole woman appointed as the Amiratul Hajj or the leader of Indonesian women pilgrims.
In this role, she directly monitors the services and protection provided to female pilgrims, covering aspects from accommodations and guidance to emergency response efforts.
The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection will continue to coordinate with the Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH), and the Government of Saudi Arabia to ensure all the needs of women pilgrims are fulfilled.
"Every year, more than 55 percent of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims are women. This highlights the crucial importance of gender-based services. Many of them are older adults who require special attention and approaches," she remarked.
According to the minister, her appointment as the pilgrimage commander is a testament to the government's effort to ensure Indonesian Hajj pilgrims, especially women, feel safe, comfortable, and receive the best possible services.
Earlier, Minister Umar in Jeddah on Friday stated that he would recruit more women Islamic scholars (ulama) as Amiratul Hajj.
He said that this step is crucial because there are several private issues related to Hajj pilgrimage rulings that women may feel uncomfortable asking male commanders about.
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Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
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