KPK Extends Detention of Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut by 30 Days in Hajj Quota Case
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has again extended the detention period of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) in connection with corruption related to the 2023-2024 hajj quota. The detention extension was carried out for the next 30 days.
“Today, in the continuation of the investigation into the hajj quota case for suspect YCQ, investigators have extended the detention for the next 30 days,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told reporters on Tuesday.
Budi stated that investigators are continuously completing Yaqut’s case file so that it can soon be handed over to the public prosecutor. He noted that the remaining two suspects in this case have also been detained.
“This means the investigation process is ongoing, and the case file is still being completed. Moreover, the KPK recently detained two suspects from the private sector, specifically from the association and the special hajj organiser (PIHK). That will certainly complement the case files for all four suspects, who are now all detained,” Budi explained. “The focus is on the detention extension. This is in preparation for phase two, the handover to prosecution, as all four are now detained. The hope is that all can be transferred.”
Previously, the KPK planned to transfer Yaqut’s case after this year’s hajj pilgrimage period concludes. The KPK said this was to facilitate the process of summoning several witnesses related to the case.
“We have discussed with colleagues that the transfer will occur after all hajj rituals are completed and the pilgrims have returned,” explained KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in Jakarta on Monday.
Asep explained that the timing of the transfer was chosen to facilitate summoning witnesses who are currently performing duties during this year’s hajj departure period. “To prevent a situation where during the trial, those concerned are still carrying out their duties in hajj activities, which would impact the implementation of the pilgrimage,” he added.
In this hajj quota corruption case, the KPK has named four suspects:
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ)
Former Special Staff to Yaqut, Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex (IAA)
Director of Operations at PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), Ismail Adham (ISM)
Chairman of the Kesthuri Association, Asrul Azis Taba (ASR)
The KPK suspects Ismail and Asrul gave money to Yaqut, in his capacity as former Religious Affairs Minister. The payment was allegedly made through an intermediary, namely Yaqut’s former special staff, Gus Alex.
Ismail is suspected of giving USD 30,000 to Gus Alex. Ismail is also alleged to have handed over USD 5,000 to the former Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organisation at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2024, Hilman Latief.
The KPK stated that state losses in this case amount to Rp 622 billion. The figure for state losses was determined by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK).