After KPK Examination, Yaqut Denies Receiving Money from Maktour and Kesthuri

Former Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has denied receiving money from the newly named suspects in the hajj quota corruption case, Ismail Adham (ISM), Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), and Azrul Azis Taba (ASR), Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama and Chairman of the Kesthuri Association.

Yaqut made the statement after undergoing examination by the KPK at the KPK’s Red and White Building. Based on observations by CNNIndonesia.com, Yaqut arrived around 12:47 WIB and left the building around 14:08 WIB.

Regarding the designation of the two new suspects in this case, Yaqut suggested asking his legal advisor.

“Ask the legal advisor,” said Yaqut to reporters on Tuesday (31/3).

Meanwhile, regarding the receipts, Yaqut denied it with a brief statement.

“There was none (receipt),” he added.

Previously, the KPK designated the two new suspects on Monday (30/3).

Suspect Ismail is alleged to have given a sum of money to Gus Alex amounting to US$30,000, as well as to Hilman, Director General of PHU at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, amounting to US$5,000 and 16,000 SAR (Saudi Arabian Riyal).

Before the giving of the money, Ismail and Azrul, together with Fuad Hasan Masyhur, Board of Trustees of the Silaturahmi Forum of Hajj and Umrah Travel Associations (SATHU), and other parties, held a meeting with Yaqut and his special staff, Gus Alex, with the aim of requesting an increase in the special hajj quota exceeding the 8 percent provision as regulated by legislation.

For their actions, PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour) obtained unlawful gain in 2024 amounting to approximately Rp27.8 billion.

Meanwhile, suspect Azrul is alleged to have given a sum of money to Gus Alex amounting to US$406,000. For this giving, eight Special Hajj Worship Organisers (PIHK) affiliated with suspect ASR also obtained unlawful gain in 2024 totaling Rp40.8 billion.