KPK Confirms Evidence in Hajj Quota Case During Yaqut Examination

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed evidence in the alleged corruption case concerning additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024 during the examination of former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on Friday (19/6). Yaqut is already a suspect, but this examination was conducted in his capacity as a witness to explain the Unlawful Acts (PMH) of other suspects. “The examination of Mr YCQ [Yaqut Cholil Qoumas] today was to confirm evidence previously obtained by investigators,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in a written statement on Friday (19/6). Yaqut declined to comment on his examination. He only confirmed his readiness to be transferred by the KPK to court at any time. “Ready,” said the former Religious Affairs Minister for the 2019-2024 period in response to journalists at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Friday (19/6). The other suspects being legally processed by the KPK are Yaqut’s Special Staff member Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, Maktour Operations Director Ismail Adham, and Kesthuri Association Chairman who is also Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, Asrul Azis Taba. The KPK stated it will transfer the case files of the suspects to the Corruption Court simultaneously. Numerous pieces of evidence have been seized by the KPK, including documents, electronic evidence, as well as four-wheeled vehicles and property. During the ongoing investigation, the KPK has identified more than 300 travel agencies involved in the additional hajj quota. Several 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) point 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 Law. These articles relate to state financial losses. Based on calculations by the audit team of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), the alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024 is suspected to have caused state losses amounting to Rp622 billion.