Jakarta, Aug. 26 -- An Indonesian lawmaker said the soon-to-be-established Ministry of Hajj and Umrah will provide integrated services for pilgrims, including safety and health guidance during their journeys.

The new institution will become the 49th ministry under President Prabowo Subianto's administration and is expected to have offices down to the regional level to strengthen Hajj education across Indonesia.

"Hajj is not merely a formal routine, but must contribute to the development of the nation's character," said Maman Imanul Haq, a member of the House of Representatives' (DPR) Commission VIII, in a statement on Tuesday.

During a plenary session, the DPR approved a bill on the implementation of Hajj and Umrah, formally establishi...