KPK Responds to Trial Evidence Regarding US$400,000 Payment for Friend of Nusron Wahid

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is paying close attention to trial facts in the alleged Hajj quota corruption case, which revealed the handover of US$400,000 to an intermediary.

The money was reportedly given to Erik, who acted as an intermediary for Zainal Abidin. Zainal is known to be a friend of the Chairman of the 2024 DPR RI Hajj Inquiry Special Committee (Pansus Hak Angket Haji), Nusron Wahid.

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the KPK public prosecutors will delve into every piece of testimony that emerges during the trial of the case. “The KPK Public Prosecutors will certainly examine and analyse every statement that arises during the trial,” said Budi Prasetyo on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.

According to Budi, every fact revealed in court is a vital part of the evidentiary process. These facts will assist investigators and prosecutors in understanding the full construction of the case, as they will help uncover the complete details of the matter.

The alleged corruption case regarding the Indonesian Hajj quota for the 2023-2024 period has entered the trial stage. The KPK commenced the investigation into the case on 9 August 2025.

As of 30 March 2026, the KPK has named four suspects: former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholund Qoumas, former special staff member Ishfah Abidal Aziz (alias Gus Alex), Maktour Operational Director Ismail Adham, and the former General Chairman of the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Tour Travel Union, Asrul Aziz Taba. All four began their trials as defendants on 11 August 2026, facing charges of corruption that resulted in state losses of up to Rp622.09 billion.

During a follow-up hearing on 18 August 2026, it was revealed that US$400,000 was handed over to Erik, acting as the intermediary for Zainal Abidin. The incident began when Gus Alex questioned Syaiful Bahri, a former staff member of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), regarding a deposited sum of US$406,000 from Asrul Aziz.

However, it was later discovered that only US$301,000 remained as part of the funds had been used. Gus Alex subsequently added US$100,000 to the amount held by Syaiful Bahri. Following this, Gus Alex instructed Syaiful Bahri to meet Erik and hand over US$400,000 to fulfil a request from Zainal Abidin, who is identified as a friend of Nusron Wahid.