KPK Extends Detention Period for Gus Yaqut in Hajj Quota Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has extended the detention period of the suspect in the alleged corruption case concerning the 2023-2024 Hajj quota, as well as former Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, for the next 30 days.

“This second detention extension is for 30 days ahead,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to reporters on Friday (8/5).

Budi stated that the extension is required because the investigation is still ongoing. He mentioned that investigators are continuing to examine several witnesses.

Yaqut was examined at the KPK Building on Friday. He was reticent after undergoing the examination. However, Yaqut did convey greetings to Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul.

Ipul arrived at the KPK before Yaqut. Ipul came to consult regarding the procurement of goods and services at the Ministry of Social Affairs.

“Greetings to Gus Ipul,” said Yaqut.

In this alleged corruption case involving the 2023-2024 Hajj quota, which is suspected to have caused state financial losses of Rp622 billion, the KPK has already designated four individuals as suspects.

They are former Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Yaqut Cholil Qoumas; Yaqut’s staff member named Ishfah Abidal Aziz alias Gus Alex; Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour) Ismail Adham; and Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama as well as General Chairman of the Kesthuri Association, Asrul Azis Taba.

Nevertheless, only Yaqut and Ishfah have been detained by the KPK.

The KPK applies Article 2 paragraph (1) and or Article 3 of the Law on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption (UU Tipikor) juncto Article 55 paragraph (1) first of the Criminal Code or as referred to in Article 603 or Article 604 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code juncto Article 20 letter (c) of the Criminal Code Law in this case.