Jakarta, Jan. 17 -- Indonesia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that women make up 33.2 percent of hajj officers this year, a figure expected to improve services and comfort for pilgrims, particularly women.

Deputy Minister of Hajj Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak said the share exceeded the ministry's initial target of 30 percent.

"We want affirmative action for women because most of our hajj pilgrims are women," Simanjuntak said after leading a preparation routine with training participants at the Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory on Saturday.

He said the higher proportion of female officers reflects the demographic profile of Indonesian pilgrims, the majority of whom are women.

Female officers are needed to provide more humane, comfortab...