Corruption Commission to Question Gus Alex as Suspect in Hajj Quota Case Next Week
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) on suspicion of corruption related to hajj quotas for 2023-2024. The KPK will question Yaqut’s special staff, Ishfah Abidal Aziz (IAA), commonly known as Gus Alex, as a suspect next week.
“We have already called the relevant party for next week. So please wait, colleagues,” said KPK Deputy for Prosecution and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu during a press conference at KPK headquarters in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Thursday (12 March 2026).
The KPK has disclosed Gus Alex’s role in the case. According to the commission, Gus Alex assisted Yaqut considerably in distributing additional hajj quotas that were not in accordance with regulations. Gus Alex also requested that Religious Affairs Ministry (Kemenag) officials demand money from the Special Hajj Organiser (PIHK) as a fee for providing additional quotas for special hajj implementation. These fees were ultimately received by Yaqut as Religious Affairs Minister and by Gus Alex himself.
However, regarding the exact amount of fees received by Gus Alex and Yaqut, the KPK stated it is still conducting calculations.
“We are still calculating precisely how much YCQ received; please wait. Similarly, we are also calculating how much GA received,” explained Asep.
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has been formally detained by the KPK in the hajj quota corruption case. Yaqut claims he did not receive any money whatsoever.
“I have never received a single rupiah from the case alleged against me,” said Yaqut as he was taken by the KPK on Thursday (12 March).
Yaqut also stated that during his tenure as Religious Affairs Minister, he implemented policies for the benefit of Indonesian pilgrims.
“And I implemented all these policies solely for the safety of pilgrims,” he said.
Yaqut was designated as a suspect in early January 2026. He initially challenged the suspect status from the KPK in court. However, his pretrial motion was rejected by the judge.