Prosecutors Question Former Subordinate of Yaqut Regarding 'Plotting' of Additional Hajj Quota
Prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) presented Abdul Muhyi, a former Junior Expert Policy Analyst at the Directorate of Umrah and Special Hajj Development for the 2022-2024 Ministry of Religious Affairs period, as a witness in the trial concerning the 2023-2024 Hajj quota corruption case. Abdul was interrogated regarding who was responsible for the ‘plotting’ of additional Hajj quotas.
The trial for the 2023-2024 Hajj quota corruption case was held at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (8/9/2026). During the session, prosecutors initially questioned the meaning of the terms ‘plotting’ and ‘real’ in the determination of the additional Hajj quota.
“Are there keywords ‘plotting’ and ‘real’, Sir?” asked the prosecutor.
“Yes,” replied the witness.
The prosecutor then inquired about the origin of this plotting. Abdul Muhyi explained that the data was provided by the Head of the Sub-directorate for Licensing, Accreditation, and Development of Special Hajj Implementation for 2023-2024, M. Agus Syafii. He did not explain how Agus determined or plotted the quota.
“The plotting is data resulting from discussions with Mr Agus; the plotting shows how many were allocated, but how many were actually realised,” the witness answered.
“But there are specific figures there, Sir; where did they originate from?” asked the prosecutor.
“From Mr Agus,” replied the witness.
“Agus Sali?” asked the prosecutor.
“Yes, it was estimated by Mr Agus,” replied the witness.
The prosecutor then presented a table consisting of several columns, containing various names and figures.
“Does ‘plotting’ mean it was allocated for this person?” asked the prosecutor.
“This person,” replied the witness.
“For the ‘real’ column on the right, is that the realisation?”
“Yes, the realisation,” replied the witness.
The prosecutor then read out names and the number of quotas listed in the column. One of the names listed was the defendant in this case, Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex. The table also included names of travel agencies and individuals identified as members of the House of Representatives (DPR).
“For example, Mr Alex. This Gus Alex, from a plotted 1,260, increased to 1,389?” asked the prosecutor.
“Yes,” replied the witness.
“The proposal that came in, was it directly from him?”
“From those acting on his behalf,” replied the witness.
Previously, the former Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, was indicted for allegedly causing state losses of Rp 622,090,070,166.41 (622 billion) in the suspected corruption case involving the additional Hajj quota for 2023-2024. Prosecutors stated that these actions were carried out by Yaqut alongside the Chairman of the Kesthuri Association, Asrul Azis Taba, a former special staff member of Yaqut named Ishfah Abidal Azis (alias Gus Alex), and the Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), Ismail Adham.