KPK Investigates Initiative Behind 20,000 Additional Hajj Quota Distribution in Hilman Latief Examination
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating the initiative of certain parties in the distribution of an additional 20,000 hajj quota for the year 2024/1445 Hijri. The inquiry took place during the examination of Hilman Latief, the former Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as a witness in the alleged hajj quota corruption case on Wednesday.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in Jakarta that the questioning aimed to confirm which parties played a role in initiating the division of the additional quota. Investigators sought to determine whether the decision to split the 20,000 quota equally by 50 percent came solely from the Ministry of Religious Affairs or also involved associations and Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK).
Furthermore, Budi explained that Hilman Latief was examined to deepen the investigation into the reasons behind the Ministry’s decision not to divide the additional quota using the standard scheme of 92 percent for regular hajj and 8 percent for special hajj. This testimony is intended to confirm the alleged abuse of authority in the quota distribution.
After his examination, Hilman Latief acknowledged that he was questioned by anti-corruption investigators regarding the Ministry’s policy on the additional hajj quota distribution. He described the questioning as routine, focusing solely on the quota policy.
The KPK announced the commencement of its investigation into the alleged corruption of the Indonesian hajj quota for the years 2023-2024 on 9 August 2025. On 9 January 2026, the KPK named former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his special staff member, Ishfah Abidal Aziz alias Gus Alex, as suspects. Fuad Hasan Masyhur, the owner of the hajj organiser bureau Maktour, was not named a suspect despite being temporarily banned from travelling abroad.
The KPK subsequently received an audit report from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) on 27 February 2026, which indicated a potential state loss in the case amounting to Rp622 billion. Yaqut was detained on 12 March 2026 at the KPK detention centre, while Ishfah was detained on 17 March 2026. Yaqut’s detention status was briefly changed to house arrest on 19 March 2026 at his family’s request, but he was returned to the detention centre on 24 March 2026. On 30 March 2026, the KPK named two additional suspects: Ismail Adham, Operational Director of Maktour, and Asrul Aziz Taba, former Chairman of the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Tour Travel Association (Kesthuri). Both were subsequently detained on 8 June 2026.