First Trial for Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Set for 11 August

Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) will soon face the first hearing in the alleged corruption case concerning the 2024 additional hajj quota. The trial is scheduled to begin next week.

“The first hearing will be held on 11 August 2026,” said Andi Saputra, spokesperson for the Jakarta Central District Court, speaking to journalists on Monday (3/8/2026).

Besides Yaqut, three other defendants will also appear at the first hearing on 11 August. They are:

• Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex (IAA), former special staffer to Yaqut;

• Ismail Adham (ISM), Operations Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour);

• Asrul Azis Taba (ASR), Chairman of the Kesthuri Association.

“The panel of judges presiding over the case will be chaired by Ni Kadek Susantiani, with Adek Nurhadi and Sigit Herman Binaji as members,” he said.

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) alleges that Ismail and Asrul gave money to Yaqut whilst he was serving as Minister of Religious Affairs. The payments were allegedly channelled through an intermediary, namely Yaqut’s former special staffer, Gus Alex.

Ismail is suspected of handing USD 30,000 to Gus Alex. He is also said to have given USD 5,000 to Hilman Latief (HL), the former Director-General for Hajj and Umrah Affairs at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2024.

The money was allegedly paid to secure a share of the additional 2024 special hajj quota. According to the KPK, the case caused losses to the state and resulted in thousands of regular pilgrims who should have been able to depart having their journeys delayed.