Govt to enhance haj services

JAKARTA: Minister of Religious Affairs Maftuh Basyuni promised on Wednesday better services for people who will perform their haj pilgrimage next month.

"There will be several changes in our services and management," the minister said after a coordination meeting to prepare for the haj season.

Among the changes will be the reduction of the number of officials guiding the pilgrims from 418 personnel last year to 306.

"Through efficiency, the government will be able to provide meals twice a day for the pilgrims while they are in Madinah," said Maftuh, referring to the Saudi Arabian city where pilgrims across the world will stay before performing the ritual in Mecca.

Over 200,000 Indonesian haj pilgrims will stream into Saudi Arabia, starting next week. --Antara