Jakarta, Nov. 6 -- Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah plans to increase the number of female guides to improve services for women pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season.

During a meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) on Wednesday, Hajj and Umrah Minister Mochamad Irfan Yusuf said female guides play a crucial role in ensuring women pilgrims receive guidance suited to their worship needs and comfort.

He added that their presence has strategic value in strengthening protection for pilgrims, especially in accommodation services, places of worship, and spiritual guidance activities that require a gender-sensitive approach.

The initiative is part of the government's efforts to create a more pilgrim-friendly Hajj administration, b...