KPK Bans Two New Suspects in Hajj Quota Case from Travelling Abroad

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has banned two new suspects in the alleged corruption case concerning the 2023-2024 Hajj quota from travelling abroad. The two individuals are former General Chairman of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Travel Unity (Kesthuri), Asrul Azis Taba, and Operations Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), Ismail Adham. “Yes, it’s true (the two new suspects are banned from travelling abroad),” said Acting Director of Investigations at the KPK, Achmad Taufik Husein, via text message to reporters on Friday (24/4/2026). Taufik stated that both have been prohibited from leaving the country since early April 2026. “And they have also been blacklisted. Early April,” he said. Ismail Adham is alleged to have given US$30,000 to former special staff of the Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Ishfah Abidal Aziz alias Gus Alex, in connection with arrangements for filling the additional special quota. Ismail also gave US$5,000 and 16,000 Saudi riyals to Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organising Hilman Latief. Meanwhile, Asrul Azis Taba is alleged to have given US$406,000 to Gus Alex for arrangements to fill the additional special quota. The KPK stated that Gus Alex and Hilman represent Yaqut in receiving the money. The KPK had previously named Gus Alex and Yaqut as suspects and has detained both.