Ensnared in Hajj Quota Corruption Case, Yaqut Says: This Is a Lesson for Every Leader
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, known as Gus Yaqut, presented his defence in relation to the 2024 hajj quota corruption case in which he has been named a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). He described the case as a lesson for every leader.
“This is a lesson for every leader in making policy decisions. Policies that are taken, even when based on humanitarian considerations, are not necessarily free from being called into question,” Yaqut said after a pretrial hearing at South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (24/2/2026).
Yaqut stated that leaders must not be afraid of making policy decisions. He described Indonesia as a courageous nation.
“But this must not make our leaders afraid of taking policies that benefit the public, the nation and the state. Indonesia cannot be built by leaders who are afraid,” he said.
He went on to explain his rationale for dividing the additional 2024 hajj quota equally — 50 per cent for special hajj and 50 per cent for regular hajj. Yaqut said the allocation was part of safeguarding the lives of pilgrims.
“The sole consideration I made when determining the quota allocation was hifdzun nafs — protecting the lives of pilgrims due to the limited capacity of facilities in Saudi Arabia,” he said.
“Furthermore, we must understand that the hajj falls under Saudi jurisdiction. It is not solely within the authority of the Indonesian government. The jurisdiction lies there. We are bound by Saudi regulations, including the quota allocation, as there is a memorandum of understanding in place,” he added.
Yaqut was named a suspect in the alleged hajj quota corruption case by the KPK. He subsequently filed a pretrial challenge against his suspect status.
On Wednesday (11/2), it was reported that Yaqut had filed the pretrial motion regarding the validity of his suspect designation at South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (10/2). His challenge was registered under case number 19/Pid.Pra/2026/PN JKT.SEL.