KPK Chief: Hajj Quota Case to Be Transferred to Prosecutors Shortly

Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Chairman Setyo Budiyanto has received information from investigators that the alleged corruption case involving the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota will be transferred to the Public Prosecutor (JPU) shortly. Setyo understands that the investigative team is racing against the detention time limit as stipulated by the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). Currently, the detention of suspect former Religious Affairs Minister for the 2019-2024 period, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and his Special Staff member, Ishfah Abidal Aziz alias Gus Alex, has entered its final 30 days. “It has been informed that the phase II transfer might be carried out soon, as there is certainly a duration for the detention,” Setyo said during a visit to the CNN Indonesia office in Jakarta on Thursday (2/7). Setyo could not yet confirm whether investigators would transfer the case files of the four suspects in the alleged additional hajj quota corruption simultaneously, considering that Yaqut’s detention is currently being suspended due to health complaints. Setyo stressed that the KPK cannot force the situation, especially since the current KUHAP prioritises human rights. “Of course, we cannot force it. The current KUHAP prioritises human rights. If his condition is still unwell, it certainly cannot be done together. We will definitely base our decision on the diagnosis from the medical team,” Setyo stated. “The KPK also has its own doctor, and that doctor will coordinate to determine whether the requirements for the phase II transfer (handover of the suspect and evidence) are met. Everything is still situational. I cannot guess or speculate, because this concerns a person’s health status,” he added. Besides Yaqut and Ishfah, the KPK is also prosecuting two other individuals: Maktour Operations Director Ismail Adham and Chairman of the Kesthuri Association who is also Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, Asrul Azis Taba, who was only recently detained on 8 June. During the ongoing investigation, the KPK has identified more than 300 travel agencies involved in the additional hajj quota. A number of travel agencies have been hesitant to provide information regarding the practice of buying and selling additional hajj quotas. The KPK is applying Article 2 paragraph (1) and/or Article 3 of the Corruption Eradication Law in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code, or as referred to in Article 603 or Article 604 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 20 letter (c) of the Criminal Code. This article relates to state financial losses. Based on calculations by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) audit team, the alleged corruption case involving the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota is suspected of causing state financial losses amounting to Rp622 billion.