KPK to Shortly Summon Yaqut as Suspect in Hajj Quota Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will shortly summon former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas for examination as a suspect in the alleged hajj quota diversion corruption case in 2024.

KPK Investigation Director Asep Guntur Rahayu stated that the summons has been scheduled for the near future. “In the coming week we will summon the person in question. They will be summoned as a suspect this week,” Asep told journalists following a pre-trial ruling at Jakarta South District Court on Wednesday (11/3).

Asep did not confirm whether the summons would also be extended to another suspect in the same case, namely former special staff of the Religion Ministry Ishfah Abidal Aziz. “We will see,” he said briefly.

Regarding the possibility of detaining Yaqut after his examination, Asep stressed that such action would not be automatic. According to him, investigators must consider various aspects before making a detention decision.

“That is not something done automatically. We must consider many factors,” he said.

He explained that detention considerations are not only related to whether criminal elements are fulfilled, but also the overall case handling strategy. “This case does not involve only one suspect; there are other suspects. Detention is part of our strategy. We look at how to handle the case overall and other matters,” said Asep.

However, he assured that investigators would not delay legal action once all considerations have been met. “If the considerations are appropriate, certainly we will not delay,” he said.

Asep also stressed that no other factors influence the investigators’ decision in determining detention steps. “It is not because of any other issues. We look at the process,” he said.

According to Asep, the investigation of this case is among the KPK’s priorities because it has been ongoing for quite some time since the investigation order was issued. “It is a priority because this case’s investigation order is from last year, from August if I recall correctly. It has been progressing, so it is a priority,” he said.

In the alleged hajj quota corruption case, the Corruption Eradication Commission has designated two suspects: Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and Ishfah Abidal Aziz. The investigation of this case pertains to alleged abuse of authority in the diversion of additional hajj quotas in 2024.