Jakarta, Oct. 4 -- Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairperson Setyo Budiyanto has urged the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to strengthen transparency in goods and services procurement to ensure accountable and corruption-free hajj management.

"Transparency is the principle. The tender and procurement processes should be publicized," Budiyanto said during a meeting with the ministry on Friday, according to a statement issued Saturday.

He stressed that transparency is vital as around 221,000 Indonesian pilgrims are expected to perform the 2026 hajj, with total fund circulation projected at Rp17 trillion to Rp20 trillion (US$1.02-1.2 billion).

Budiyanto said open procurement would make monitoring easier for the public and...