KPK to Arrest Asrul Azis Taba and Ismail Adham in Hajj Corruption Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed it will detain two new suspects in the alleged corruption case concerning the 2023-2024 special Hajj quota this week. The suspects are former Chairman of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Travel Agencies (Kesthuri), Asrul Azis Taba, and Director of Operations at PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), Ismail Adham.

Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, stated that the detention process is pending completion of administrative and investigative technical requirements. He made the remarks at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Monday, 1 June.

“We have confirmed with the investigators that it will happen soon. Perhaps this week or next, God willing,” Asep said.

Asep explained that the delay between suspect designation and detention is due to the need to strengthen evidence. He added that detention will only proceed once the investigative team confirms all supporting evidence is complete.

The anti-corruption agency previously named four suspects in the case. Alongside Taba and Adham, the suspects include former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and former special staff to the minister, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, known as Gus Alex.

The KPK suspects that the special Hajj quota allocations were manipulated in violation of regulations, with bribes allegedly paid to officials to facilitate the process.

Investigative data indicates that Adham allegedly paid $30,000 to Gus Alex, as well as $5,000 and 16,000 Saudi riyals to Director General of Hajj and Umrah Operations, Hilman Latief.

Meanwhile, Taba is suspected of paying a staggering $406,000 to Gus Alex. The KPK also identified eight Special Hajj Service Providers (PIHK) affiliated with Taba, which allegedly illicitly profited by Rp40.8 billion in 2024.

Investigators strongly believe that Gus Alex and Hilman Latief acted on behalf of Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in receiving the illicit funds. (Z-10)