KPK Detains Gus Alex as Suspect in Hajj Quota Corruption Case

JAKARTA — The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has detained Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex, a former special staff member to Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, following interrogation as a suspect in an alleged hajj quota corruption case since Tuesday morning, 17 March 2026.

Based on observations at the location, Gus Alex descended from the second floor of the Red and White Building wearing an orange detention vest with handcuffed hands at 14:44 local time.

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that Gus Alex had arrived at the Anti-Corruption Commission headquarters since 08:20 that morning. “The individual (Ishfah Abidal Aziz) arrived this morning at the Red and White KPK building to undergo interrogation by investigators,” he said.

Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, stated that Gus Alex held a dominant role in collecting accelerated hajj service fees from Special Hajj Operators (PIHK).

“Gus Alex is a special staff member of the Minister, so officials there at that time considered that what Gus Alex communicated, being regarded as a representation of the Minister, was considered to be an order from the Minister,” Asep said during a press conference.

“This means that if I wanted to give money to someone through another person as a representative, there would be no need to go directly to the first person — I could simply give it to the representative, as it amounts to the same thing,” he elaborated.

“This is reinforced by other statements and evidence, both electronic and physical,” Asep added.