KPK Examines Gus Alex as Suspect in Religious Ministry Hajj Quota Corruption Case

Ishfah Abidal Aziz, alias Gus Alex, former special staff to the Religious Minister, responded to a summons from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, to undergo questioning as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the administration and distribution of hajj quotas at the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag).

“Ishfah Abidal Aziz arrived at the KPK Red and White building this morning to undergo questioning by investigators,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in a written statement on Tuesday (17/3).

Gus Alex has drawn particular attention as the sole suspect in this matter who has not yet been detained by the anti-corruption agency. The KPK stated it would reveal detailed findings from today’s investigation and the suspect’s detention status once the interrogation was completed.

In this case, the KPK has designated two main suspects: former Religious Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and Ishfah Abidal Aziz. Both are alleged to have engaged in bribery related to the distribution of additional hajj quotas that violated legal procedures.

The corruption allegation stems from the manipulation of 20,000 additional hajj quotas. According to regulations, the government must allocate 92 per cent for regular hajj and 8 per cent for special hajj. However, in practice, these quotas were allegedly divided equally at 50 per cent each, causing significant losses to regular hajj pilgrims who had been waiting for years.

To date, the KPK has questioned numerous high-ranking officials within the Religious Ministry and private parties from travel and umrah service providers to complete the case file before it is forwarded to trial.