KPK Detains Gus Alex, Former Special Assistant to Ex-Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut, Over Alleged Hajj Quota Corruption

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially detained Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex, former special assistant to ex-Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. He was detained following his examination as a suspect on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.

During surveillance at KPK’s Red and White Building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, Gus Alex was observed descending from the second floor of the examination room wearing an orange KPK detention vest. Both his hands were shackled as he was escorted by KPK investigators.

Gus Alex was examined as a suspect in the alleged hajj quota corruption case covering 2023-2024. He arrived at the KPK building at 08.20 Western Indonesia Time and was immediately questioned by investigators.

The KPK has detailed Gus Alex’s role in the matter. According to the commission, Gus Alex assisted Yaqut extensively in distributing additional hajj quotas that did not conform to regulations. Gus Alex also requested that officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) demand fees from special hajj organisers (PIHK) in exchange for providing additional quotas for the implementation of special hajj services. These fees were subsequently received by Yaqut in his capacity as Minister and by Gus Alex himself.

However, regarding the precise amount of fees received by Gus Alex and Yaqut, the KPK stated it is still conducting detailed calculations. “The amount YCQ received is still being counted in detail and will be announced later. Similarly, the amount GA received is also being calculated,” explained Asep, a KPK spokesman.

Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was officially detained by the KPK in the hajj quota corruption case. Yaqut claimed he did not receive a single rupiah. “I have never received any money whatsoever from the case of which I am accused,” Yaqut stated when being taken into custody by the KPK on Thursday, 12 March.

Yaqut also stated that during his tenure as Minister, he formulated policies for the welfare of Indonesian hajj pilgrims. “And I made all these policies solely for the safety of the pilgrims,” he said.

Yaqut was designated a suspect in early January 2026. He attempted to challenge the suspect status with the KPK in court. However, his judicial review petition was rejected by the judge.