Jakarta, Oct. 21 -- President Prabowo Subianto on Monday called on Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to reduce pilgrimage costs and shorten the Hajj waiting period for Indonesians to 26 years from the current 40 years.

Chairing a plenary cabinet session marking the first year of his administration, Prabowo said the ministry should explore ways to lower Hajj expenses through budget efficiency and clean governance.

"Minister Yusuf is currently in Saudi Arabia dealing with this issue. I asked for a reduction in Hajj costs through budget efficiency and transparent management," the president said at the State Palace in Jakarta.

He emphasized that lowering the Hajj cost and cutting the waiting time are achievable goals under the new Min...