Detained by KPK, Gus Alex Denies Receiving Orders to Manage Hajj Quotas from Yaqut
Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), former special staff (stafsus) to ex-Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ), has been officially detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in a hajj quota corruption case covering 2023-2024. While being escorted to a detention vehicle, Gus Alex denied receiving any orders from Yaqut to manage the distribution of additional hajj quotas.
“There were none. There were no orders whatsoever from Gus Yaqut,” Alex stated whilst being led to the detention vehicle in front of the KPK’s red and white building on Kuningan Street, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (17 March 2026).
Furthermore, Gus Alex denied that Yaqut had received any money from the distribution of special hajj quotas. He stated that he had already disclosed everything he knew to the investigators.
“There were none, none, none (money received). I have already disclosed everything to the investigators; I have disclosed a great deal. Go directly to the investigators and my legal team. Thank you,” he said.
Gus Alex also expressed appreciation for the legal process underway against him. He hoped to receive justice.
“I appreciate the legal process that is currently ongoing. I have already disclosed much. Hopefully, we can find justice and the absolute truth. Thank you,” he stated.
The KPK officially detained Gus Alex today after he underwent questioning as a suspect. Gus Alex was observed descending from the second floor of the interrogation room. As he came down, Gus Alex was already wearing an orange KPK detention vest. Both of his hands appeared to be in shackles. When descending, Gus Alex was accompanied by KPK investigators.
The Role of Gus Alex
The KPK has disclosed Gus Alex’s role in this matter. According to the KPK, Gus Alex greatly assisted Yaqut in distributing additional hajj quotas that were contrary to existing regulations. Gus Alex also helped arrange for officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) to request money from the Special Hajj Services Organiser (PIHK) as a fee for having been allocated additional quotas for the implementation of special hajj services. This fee was ultimately received by Yaqut in his capacity as Minister of Religious Affairs and by Gus Alex himself.
However, regarding the exact amount of fees received by Gus Alex and Yaqut, the KPK explained that it is still conducting detailed calculations.
“The amount YCQ received is still being calculated in detail; we will wait for that. Similarly, the amount GA received is also being calculated,” explained Asep.
Previously, the KPK had already detained Yaqut. Yaqut also claimed not to have received a single rupiah.
“I have never received a single rupiah from the case being alleged against me,” said Yaqut when being escorted by the KPK on Thursday (12 March).
Yaqut was designated as a suspect in early January 2026. Yaqut had challenged the suspect status from the KPK in court. However, Yaqut’s judicial review challenge was rejected by the judge.