KPK Names Two New Suspects in Haj Quota Corruption Case

The KPK has provided an update on the handling of the 2023-2024 Haj quota corruption case, designating two new suspects. The new suspects are Ismail Adham (IA), Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), and Asrul Azis Taba (ASR), Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama and Chairman of the Kesthuri Association. “As of now, there are four suspects. This will not stop here,” said KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu during a press conference at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in South Jakarta on Monday (30/3/2026). Asep stated that the two were named suspects after the KPK obtained sufficient evidence. They are charged with violating Article 2 paragraph 1 and Article 3 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption, as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) first of the Criminal Code. Previously, the KPK had apologised for the disturbance caused by placing former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) under house arrest. The apology was delivered directly by Asep. “Of course, on this Eid day, we apologise for the disturbance,” Asep told reporters at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in South Jakarta, as quoted on Friday (27/3). Asep also claimed that the KPK had considered the public reaction’s impact when placing former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, or Gus Yaqut, under house arrest. The KPK stated that the switch to house arrest was an institutional decision. “Of course, in that meeting, this matter was discussed,” said Asep. Asep admitted to participating directly in the meeting that determined the house arrest switch. He said how the decision was made would be reported to the Supervisory Board (Dewas). “I attended that meeting; I was one of those present. So, this will be reported to the Dewas. Of course, the Supervisory Board will examine how the decision was made. Just wait,” he said. Asep said he had not yet received a summons from the Dewas regarding the report filed by Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) Coordinator Boyamin Saiman. He stated that considerations for switching Yaqut to house arrest included investigative strategies for handling the case and other impact considerations. “Then, as mentioned, the impact and other matters were also considered. The strategy for handling this case itself was also taken into account,” he said. Asep understands the public’s disappointment over the house arrest switch for Yaqut. He views public criticism as a form of support for the KPK. “As mentioned by colleagues, there is disappointment from the public. In fact, that is a form of support for us. We are very grateful to the Indonesian people, meaning with the information provided to us and such support, it proves that today we can accelerate,” said Asep. “Yesterday, we could examine Mr YCQ, and today there is very positive progress that we will announce on Monday. Without public support, this would not have happened, and the case handling might have taken longer,” he added. Furthermore, Asep emphasised that there was no external interference regarding Yaqut’s house arrest switch. He said the switch was carried out in accordance with applicable legal procedures and norms. “As I mentioned earlier, we see that the legal norms exist. In the old law, in the Criminal Procedure Code, specifically the Criminal Procedure Code under Law No. 8 of 1981, it is regulated in Articles 22 and 23. In Law No. 20 of 2025 or the new Criminal Procedure Code, it is regulated in Article 108, with paragraphs 1 to 11, so those are the legal norms,” he said. It is known that Yaqut’s detention was switched to house arrest since Thursday (19/3). KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said house arrest for Yaqut was implemented after the KPK received a request from his family. Yaqut’s detention was switched back to detention centre on Monday (23/3). The KPK has re-detained Yaqut after he underwent a series of health tests.