Hajj Corruption Suspect Asrul Azis Files Another Pre-Trial Motion, KPK Responds

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has responded to a new pre-trial motion filed by Asrul Azis Taba, a suspect in the alleged hajj quota corruption case and Chairman of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Travel Organisers (Kesthuri). The motion challenges the legality of a search conducted by investigators. The KPK asserts that the entire search process in this case was carried out according to the rules. ‘We ensure that the entire series of investigative processes, including coercive measures such as searches, have been carried out professionally, based on statutory provisions,’ KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told reporters on Sunday (19/7/2026). Nonetheless, the KPK respects the pre-trial motion filed by Asrul. Budi emphasised that filing a pre-trial motion is guaranteed by law. ‘The KPK respects every legal remedy pursued by the suspect, including the pre-trial motion filed by Mr ASR regarding the search action,’ he said. According to Budi, the KPK will face the pre-trial process. All evidence forming the basis of the search will also be presented during the hearing. ‘The KPK will face this pre-trial process by respecting the authority of the panel of judges to examine the legality aspect of the investigator’s actions,’ he stated. ‘The KPK is optimistic that the entire investigation process has a strong legal basis and can be accounted for juridically. Moreover, the investigation has already been declared complete and transferred to the prosecution stage,’ he added. It was previously reported that Asrul Azis Taba had filed another pre-trial motion, this time questioning the legality of the search. ‘Adjudicating, rejecting the Petitioner’s pre-trial motion,’ was the classification of the case as seen on the South Jakarta District Court’s case tracking system. Asrul previously filed a pre-trial motion challenging his suspect status, which was rejected by the South Jakarta District Court judge. The judge stated that the determination of the suspect by the KPK was valid according to law. In the hajj quota corruption case, all suspects have been detained by the KPK. The suspects include former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, his former special staff Ishfah Abidal Azis, Director of Operations of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour) Ismail Adham, and Asrul Azis Taba.