KPK Responds to Gus Alex's Denial of Orders from Yaqut, Awaiting Trial Proceedings
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has responded to claims made by Isfan Abidal Aziz (also known as Gus Alex), a former special staff member to the Minister of Religious Affairs, who denied receiving any orders from former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) in an alleged bribery case involving the administration and allocation of hajj quotas. The KPK stated that it will counter these claims during trial proceedings.
“Certainly, during the trial, the details regarding the case will be clarified comprehensively,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK’s red and white building in South Jakarta on Tuesday (17 March).
Budi explained that investigators are currently gathering additional evidence to strengthen the prosecution’s case against both Yaqut and Gus Alex during trial. In this matter, investigators believe that both individuals received money related to the bribery case under investigation.
The trial is viewed as the most appropriate venue for resolving conflicting claims. Arguments from both sides will be evaluated by the judge and decided in the verdict.
“How the unlawful conduct was carried out by the arrested parties, what role each played in the discretionary process and in receiving money transfers from special hajj operators—all of this will be revealed,” said Budi.
The KPK hopes the public will monitor the proceedings. Many legal facts related to this case will emerge before the judicial panel.
“We are also calling on the public, once the case reaches the trial stage, to follow along and carefully examine each fact that emerges during the proceedings,” Budi added.
The KPK is currently detaining Gus Alex. He had previously denied receiving any orders from former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas regarding the alleged corruption case involving the administration and allocation of hajj quotas at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
“There were none, no orders whatsoever from Gus Yaqut,” Gus Alex stated at the KPK’s building in South Jakarta on Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
His claim contradicts the KPK’s assertions that Gus Alex served as Yaqut’s representative. He also denied providing money related to the case to Yaqut.
“No, no, no,” Gus Alex said.
Budi stated that the detention was necessary for the investigation into alleged bribery in the administration and allocation of hajj quotas at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Gus Alex’s first role in this case was coordinating special hajj operators in Indonesia for the allocation of additional quotas.
Investigators also questioned other witnesses. Details regarding the receipt of funds are expected to be disclosed during trial proceedings.
The KPK formally detained Gus Alex, a former ministerial special staff member, in connection with corruption related to hajj quotas. Despite denying orders from Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, the KPK maintains that Gus Alex served as the minister’s representative in raising funds.
Gus Alex’s first role in this case was coordinating special hajj operators in Indonesia for the allocation of additional quotas.
Investigators also questioned other witnesses. Details regarding the receipt of funds are expected to be disclosed during trial proceedings.
Yaqut’s detention is seen as important for expediting the legal process and clarifying the direction of the case under investigation.
The KPK’s practice in handling cases shows that establishing a suspect status followed by detention is often done when a case is deemed ready for prosecution.
Budi could not provide details on the calculation of state losses. This data falls under the purview of the Financial Audit Board (BPK).