KPK to Analyse Testimony Regarding DPR Members Requesting 3,000 Riyal

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will analyse the testimony of Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex, a former special staffer to the Minister of Religious Affairs for the 2019-2024 period, who has begun revealing alleged money flows regarding the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota during trial proceedings.

“The KPK Public Prosecutors will certainly examine and analyse every statement that emerges during the trial,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when confirmed via written message on Friday (4/9).

Budi explained that the information provided by Ishfah and other parties in court is essentially useful for the evidentiary process of the additional Hajj quota case, as it will reveal the full construction of the case. This includes clarifying the roles of the defendants in the unlawful acts that resulted in state financial losses, as well as identifying the involvement of any other parties.

“Naturally, all statements from every witness and expert will be closely scrutinised and analysed by the KPK Prosecution Team,” said Budi.

Previously, during the trial at the Corruption Crime Court (Tipikor) of the Central Jakarta District Court, Ishfah revealed that three leaders of Commission 8 of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) requested that he collect additional fees from catering providers.

Furthermore, Ishfah disclosed that 70 members of the DPR Hajj Supervisory Team (Timwas) requested facilitation for Maktab 111, despite being ineligible. Maktab 111 refers to a specific VIP service area in Mina for Hajj pilgrims, particularly for special (plus) or furoda Hajj.

Additionally, Ishfah mentioned that 24 members of the Commission 8 Working Committee (Panja) also requested 3,000 Riyal per person. However, he admitted he could only manage to provide 1,500 Riyal per person, claiming the money was intended as ‘souvenirs’.

Ishfah also previously disclosed alleged payments made to the 2024 DPR Hajj Special Committee.

There are four defendants currently facing legal action regarding the alleged corruption of the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota, which caused state losses amounting to Rp622,090,071,666.41 (approximately Rp622 billion).

The defendants are Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Ishfah Abidal Azis, the Operational Director of Maktour, Ismail Adham, and the General Chairman of the Kesthuri Association who is also a Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, Asrul Azis Taba.

The state loss figure in this case is based on the Investigative Audit Report from the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BPK).

The alleged corruption case is also suspected of enriching several other parties, including 313 Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK).