Judge Rejects Detention Suspension Request in Hajj Corruption Case

The panel of judges has rejected a request for the suspension of detention filed by Asrul Azis Taba, chairman of the Kesthuri Association, in a case of alleged corruption involving additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024. The judge stated that the request for detention suspension could not yet be granted.

“We cannot yet grant your request for detention suspension. What we can convey is that if you submit a complaint related to your illness, please seek treatment from the doctor at the KPK detention centre. If it cannot be resolved, then a recommendation from the KPK medical team will be conveyed to us so that you can be examined by a designated specialist,” said Presiding Judge Ni Kadek Susantiani at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (18/8/2026).

The judge said Asrul had been recommended to undergo treatment with a urology specialist and an orthopaedic specialist. The judge considered that routine check-ups did not require detention suspension.

“We have deliberated regarding your request and regarding the recommendation from the doctor, which stated that your need is to undergo routine check-ups, and that does not mean it must be done through detention suspension,” the judge said.

Previously, Asrul was charged with causing state losses of Rp 622,090,207,166 (Rp 622 billion) in the alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024. Prosecutors said the acts were committed by Asrul together with former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Yaqut’s former special staff member Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex, and the Operations Director of PT Makassar Toraja, Ismail Adham.

Prosecutors said the filling of additional special hajj quotas for 2023-2024 carried out by the defendants contravened prevailing legal provisions, with the aim of accommodating requests from the Association of Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK). Prosecutors believe the case enriched Yaqut by USD 271,500, or approximately Rp 4,833,786,000 (Rp 4.8 billion) at current exchange rates.

In addition, prosecutors believe the case enriched a number of other parties, including 313 Special Hajj Organiser (PIHK) corporations. Prosecutors said there were practices of buying and selling special hajj quotas, buying and selling hajj officer quotas, and acceleration fees in this case, resulting in some pilgrims who should have departed for hajj failing to do so, while some pilgrims who were not entitled to depart were instead sent.