Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil to Stand Trial in Hajj Quota Corruption Case

The corruption case involving former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas over Hajj quota allocations has advanced to the prosecution stage. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) transferred the case files of four suspects to public prosecutors on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. The suspects are Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, Ismail Adham, and Asrul Azis Taba. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that this transfer signifies the investigation is complete and the case has now entered the prosecution phase. He added that prosecutors have a maximum of 14 days to prepare and submit the indictment to the corruption court. Budi urged the public to closely follow the trial, noting that the proceedings will be open and serve as a forum to objectively test all facts, evidence, and the criminal responsibility of the defendants. The KPK previously named Yaqut and Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, as suspects. As the investigation developed, the KPK named two additional suspects: Ismail, the Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), and Asrul, a Commissioner at PT Raudah Eksati Utama and Chairman of the Kesthuri Association. The two private sector suspects allegedly played crucial roles in channelling money to officials within the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The KPK revealed that Ismail allegedly gave US$30,000 to Gus Alex and provided US$5,000 and 16,000 Saudi Riyal to Hilman Latief, the Director General of Hajj and Umrah Management at the ministry. Meanwhile, Asrul allegedly gave US$406,000 to Gus Alex. The State Audit Agency (BPK) has calculated that the total state losses from the case amount to Rp622 billion.