Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Answers KPK Summons Today

Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Staquf answered a summons from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) for further questioning as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving additional Hajj quotas on Thursday, 12 March.

This marked Yaqut’s first examination following the rejection of his pre-trial motion by the judge.

According to CNNIndonesia.com’s observation, Yaqut arrived at the KPK’s Red and White Building at approximately 13.00 WIB. He wore a cream jacket and black peci (Islamic cap).

Speaking to journalists, he stated that he would provide a statement regarding what he knew.

“This is my opportunity to provide a statement,” Yaqut said to reporters at the KPK’s Red and White Building on Thursday, 12 March.

Regarding reports of detention, he could not yet provide comment.

Yaqut and his special staff member Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, have been designated as suspects by the KPK in the alleged Hajj quota corruption case. However, neither has been detained to date.

Nevertheless, the KPK has requested the Directorate General of Immigration to prevent Yaqut and Ishfah from travelling abroad for six months until 12 August 2026.

During the investigation process, the KPK has conducted searches at several locations including Yaqut’s residence in Condet, East Jakarta, offices of a Hajj and Umrah travel agency in Jakarta, the home of a civil servant at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Depok, and the office of the Directorate General of Hajj and Umrah (PHU) at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Numerous pieces of evidence allegedly related to the case have been seized, including documents, electronic evidence (BBE), vehicles, and property.

Based on calculations by the Financial Audit Board (BPK), the state allegedly suffered losses of 622.090.207.166,41 rupiah (approximately 622 billion rupiah) from the alleged Hajj quota corruption case for the provision of services in 2023 and 2024.

When separately confirmed, KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo stated that Yaqut underwent examination immediately upon arrival at the Red and White Building.

“Correct, Mr. YCQ has arrived to answer the investigator’s summons, arriving at the KPK Red and White Building at approximately 13.10 WIB. Examination is currently ongoing,” Budi said when confirmed through written message.