ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially named former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas as a suspect in the alleged Hajj quota corruption case involving the 2023–2024 Hajj pilgrimage management.
The KPK has issued a formal investigation warrant listing Yaqut as a suspect earlier this month, marking a major escalation in one of Indonesia’s most sensitive corruption scandals—one that directly affects millions of Muslim pilgrims.
“Yes, a suspect has been officially named in the Hajj quota investigation,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told on Friday, January 9, 2026.
The confirmation was echoed by Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, who said further details would be disclosed publicly by the commission’s spokesperson.
State Losses at the Core of the Case
The KPK has emphasized that the case centers on state financial losses, with prosecutors preparing charges under Articles 2 and 3 of Indonesia’s Anti-Corruption Law, which require a verified calculation of damages to the state.
Speaking during the KPK’s 2025 year-end performance briefing, KPK Vice Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto acknowledged that the probe had progressed slowly—but deliberately.
“It may be slow, but it must be certain. This case also concerns human rights, as it involves citizens’ right to perform the Hajj,” Fitroh said.
To that end, the KPK is working closely with the Supreme Audit Agency to determine the full scale of financial losses linked to the alleged manipulation of additional Hajj quotas.
Dozens Questioned, Including Senior Officials and Travel Executives
Investigators have questioned numerous witnesses from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hajj and Umrah travel agencies, and related associations.
Those examined include:
– Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, former Minister of Religious Affairs
– Hilman Latief, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Affairs
– Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), senior NU official and Yaqut aide
– Syarif Hamzah Asyathry, deputy secretary-general of GP Ansor
– Fuad Hasan Masyhur, owner of Maktour Travel
– Khalid Zeed Abdullah Basalamah, owner of Uhud Tour
– Ibnu Mas’ud, owner of PT Muhibbah Mulia Wisata
– Senior figures from Indonesia’s Hajj and Umrah travel associations
Travel Ban and Nationwide Raids
On August 11, 2025, the KPK imposed a travel ban on Yaqut, Gus Alex, and Fuad Hasan Masyhur to prevent them from leaving the country.
The anti-graft body has also conducted searches at multiple locations, including: Yaqut’s residence in East Jakarta, offices of Hajj and Umrah travel agencies in Jakarta, the home of a Ministry of Religious Affairs civil servant in Depok, and the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah Affairs at the ministry’s headquarters.
Investigators seized a wide range of evidence, including documents, electronic data, luxury vehicles, and property suspected to be linked to the Hajj quota corruption scheme. (AT Network)
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