'DPR Asks for Coffee' Code Emerges in Hajj Corruption Trial Involving Yaqut Era

The code ‘DPR asks for coffee’ emerged during the trial of the alleged corruption case involving the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota at the Corruption Court of the Central Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (6/10).

The code was revealed through communications between witness Syihabul Mutaqin, owner of the Hajj and Umrah travel agency PT Maslahatul Ummah Internasional, and defendant Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex, who served as a special staff member to the former Minister of Religious Affairs (2019-2024), Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.

Syihabul testified that the conversation occurred while the 2024 House of Representatives (DPR) Special Committee on Hajj was in session. KPK Prosecutor Greafik Loserte questioned whether the communications were specifically related to efforts to deploy pilgrims using the additional quota or if there were other matters involved. When asked if Gus Alex had ever used the phrase ‘DPR asks for coffee’, Syihabul confirmed the interaction.

Syihabul explained that the exchange took place via WhatsApp. He noted that after landing in Jeddah, he messaged the official, and upon his return from Saudi Arabia, he followed up regarding the ‘coffee’ request from the DPR. In response to the follow-up, the defendant reportedly replied, ‘Alhamdulillah pun mantun’ (Praise be, it is finished).

The presiding judge, Ni Kadek Susantiani, intervened to seek clarification on the term ‘sampun mantun’, to which Syihabul replied that, as far as he understood, it meant ‘already finished’. He confirmed that these WhatsApp messages occurred while the Hajj Special Committee was active.

Thirteen witnesses, most of whom are organisers of Special Hajj Services (PIHK), are scheduled to testify. Their testimonies are part of the prosecution’s efforts to uncover the management process of the additional Hajj quota, including the flow of fees and the involvement of associations and travel agencies.

The investigation involves four defendants facing charges related to the alleged corruption, which has caused state losses amounting to approximately Rp622,090,207,166. The defendants include former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, former special staff member Ishfah Abidal Azis, Maktour Operational Director Ismail Adham, and the Chairman of the Kesthuri Association, Asrul Azis Taba.