Hilman Latief Claims KPK Questioned Him on Hajj Quota Distribution Policy

Former Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hilman Latief, has completed his examination by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as a witness in the alleged hajj quota corruption case implicating former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. Following the session, Hilman claimed he was asked about the quota distribution policy.

“It was the same as before. Just asked to provide information. There was nothing to confirm. Just ordinary information, policy. Just about the quota,” Hilman told reporters at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Wednesday (24/6/2026).

Hilman claimed he was not asked about alleged money flows to him. He also denied having any communication regarding the distribution of hajj quotas with travel operators. “No confirmation about receiving money. I don’t know about that, I don’t know about any unlawful benefits received by Maktour,” he said.

This is the third time Hilman has been examined as a witness in the hajj quota corruption case by the KPK. He was first examined in September 2025, when he was questioned for 11 hours by investigators about money flows in the corruption case. He was then examined again on Wednesday (20/5), where the KPK questioned him about the management of hajj quotas by hajj associations and Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK).

Hilman had previously denied receiving any money in this case. The KPK subsequently responded by stating it had found facts that differed from Hilman’s claims.

In addition to Hilman, the KPK also summoned Subhan Cholid, the former Director of Foreign Hajj Services for 2020-2024, for a second round of questioning.

The KPK has named four suspects in this hajj quota corruption case, all of whom have been detained: former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas; his former special aide, Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex; Ismail Adham, Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour); and Asrul Azis Taba, Chairman of the Kesthuri Association.

The KPK alleges that Ismail and Asrul provided money to former Minister Yaqut through an intermediary, Gus Alex. Ismail is suspected of giving USD 30,000 to Gus Alex and is also alleged to have handed USD 5,000 to Hilman Latief, the former Director General of PHU at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2024. The KPK stated that state losses in this case amount to Rp 622 billion, a figure calculated by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK).