KPK Urges Kesthuri Chairman Asrul Aziz Taba to Return from Saudi Arabia After Being Named Suspect

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed that Asrul Aziz Taba (ASR), Chairman of the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Travel Union (Kesthuri), is currently not in Indonesia. The suspect in the alleged bribery case concerning the organisation and distribution of Hajj quotas at the Ministry of Religious Affairs has been detected abroad.

“One of the suspects, Mr ASR, is currently detected to be abroad, still in Saudi Arabia,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo at the KPK Red and White Building in South Jakarta on Tuesday (31/3).

Budi explained that investigators, with the assistance of Indonesian Immigration authorities, have successfully communicated with Asrul following his designation as a suspect. The KPK has issued a strong appeal for the Kesthuri Chairman to return to the homeland immediately to undergo the legal process.

“On this occasion, we also urge suspect ASR to return to Indonesia as soon as possible. So that if needed for examination in his capacity as a suspect, the individual can comply with the summons,” Budi emphasised.

To date, the anti-corruption agency has named four suspects in this Hajj quota corruption vortex, namely:

This case stems from allegations of the distribution of additional Hajj quotas that do not comply with regulations. Indonesia was originally allocated an additional 20,000 quotas to accelerate the national Hajj waiting list.

In accordance with the rules, the additional quotas should have been divided in a 92% proportion for regular Hajj and 8% for special Hajj. However, investigators found facts that the quotas were instead divided equally at 50% each, allegedly involving bribery practices.

In delving into this matter, the KPK has examined a number of officials in the Ministry of Religious Affairs environment as well as Umrah travel service providers.