Indonesia Boosts Female Haj Officers To Support Women Pilgrims

JAKARTA, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- A total of 33.2 per cent of Indonesian Haj officers this year would be women, a move aimed at enhancing comfort for female pilgrims.

Indonesian Haj and Umrah Deputy Minister Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said the number surpassed the ministry’s initial target of 30 per cent, ANTARA News Agency reported.

The higher proportion of female officers reflects the demographic profile of Indonesian pilgrims, the majority of whom are women, he added.

Dahnil said the presence of female officers is crucial to provide more humane, comfortable and sharia-compliant services, especially in matters of a private nature and in religious consultations.

“We want to provide affirmative action for women because most of our haj pilgrims are women,” he said here, on Saturday.

Dahnil said the presence of female officers brings a distinct maternal touch and sense of care that is particularly needed by female pilgrims who are far from their families.

He said the ratio of female officers would continue to be evaluated to ensure it remains proportionate to the number of male and female pilgrims.

-- BERNAMA