Hajj Quota Trial: Khalid Basalamah Admits Returning US$354,000
The owner of PT Zahra Oto Mandiri (Uhud Tour), Khalid Zeed Abdullah Basalamah, acknowledged that a member of his staff returned US$354,500 to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). The money is suspected to be connected to the organisation of the Hajj pilgrimage using additional quotas.
Khalid made the statement after being called by KPK public prosecutors as a witness in the alleged corruption case involving additional Hajj quotas in 2023–24. The hearing took place at the Jakarta Corruption Court, part of the Central Jakarta District Court, on Tuesday (20 October).
“Do you know whether your staff ever deposited some money into the KPK holding account?” KPK prosecutor Greafik Loserte asked during Tuesday’s hearing.
“Yes,” Khalid replied.
The prosecutor then asked how much money his staff had returned to the KPK. Referring to evidence records, he cited cash totalling US$354,500 in US$100 notes—3,545 notes—and asked Khalid whether he knew about it.
“Yes,” Khalid replied.
“Can you explain whether this money was subsequently handed over by the person named Ulfi?” the prosecutor asked.
“Yes,” Khalid said.
The prosecutor also questioned him about the seizure of US$200,000. Khalid confirmed that the money had been seized.
“The second item of evidence is number 1591. Our investigators seized money deposited by bank transfer through BNI. The total was US$200,000?” the prosecutor asked.
“Yes,” Khalid replied.
“Is that correct?” the prosecutor followed up.
“Correct,” Khalid said.
Khalid testified as a witness for four defendants facing trial over alleged corruption involving additional Hajj quotas in 2023–24. The alleged crime is said to have caused state losses of Rp622,090,207,166.41 (Rp622 billion), according to an investigative audit by the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK).
The defendants are former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who served from 2019 to 2024; Yaqut’s former special adviser Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex; Maktour Operations Director Ismail Adham; and Kesthuri Association chairman and PT Raudah Eksati Utama commissioner Asrul Azis Taba.
The case is also suspected of benefiting other parties, including 313 Special Hajj Pilgrimage Organisers (PIHK).