Chair of House Commission VIII Shocked by Yaqut's Alleged Plan to Condition Special Pilgrimage Committee with 1 Million US Dollars
Jakarta — The Chair of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Marwan Dasopang expressed shock upon learning of allegations that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas attempted to condition the Special Pilgrimage Committee (Pansus) of the House of Representatives investigating the 2023-2024 hajj operations.
Marwan stated he was unaware of any such attempts during the Special Pilgrimage Committee’s work investigating issues related to the 2023-2024 hajj operations.
“I did not know. I was just carrying out the Special Committee’s work, unaware of such things,” Marwan said when met at the Parliamentary Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, on Friday (13 March 2026).
Marwan, who was also a member of the Special Pilgrimage Committee, stated that he was among the active members participating in the committee’s proceedings.
“I did not know. I was one of those actively involved in the Special Committee. I was also shocked because I was unaware of it. I did not understand that because I was just continuing with my duties,” Marwan said.
The politician from the Awakening Party emphasised that whilst carrying out his duties in the Special Pilgrimage Committee, he and other members focused on gathering data related to the hajj operations.
Indeed, the Special Committee worked seriously, even conducting direct data collection in Saudi Arabia under difficult circumstances and conditions.
Separate from that matter, Marwan emphasised that the Special Pilgrimage Committee ultimately concluded that if suspected legal violations were found, such cases could be pursued by law enforcement officials.
“Our conclusion is that if there are violations related to legal matters, it is open for those handling such matters to continue, which we refer to as law enforcement agencies. If we are asked, then I have no authority over that,” Marwan said.
“We have already stated our conclusion. Now that this has occurred, my comment? I have no comment,” he concluded.
Previously, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed allegations of an attempt to provide funds to the Special Pilgrimage Committee by Yaqut.
KPK Deputy for Investigation and Prosecution Asep Guntur Rahayu stated that the alleged attempt occurred when the Special Pilgrimage Committee was being formed and began holding sessions.
“Based on statements from the witnesses available, there was indeed an attempt from Yaqut Cholil Qoumas when this Special Committee was formed and began holding sessions. So there was an attempt to give something, but it was rejected,” Asep said at the KPK’s Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Thursday (12 March 2026).