Reasons Why KPK Summoned Muhadjir Effendy in Hajj Quota Case

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed the reasons for summoning Muhadjir Effendy, the Interim Minister of Religious Affairs in 2022, regarding the alleged corruption case involving Hajj quotas for the 2023-2024 period.

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that investigators require information from Muhadjir concerning the management of the Hajj pilgrimage. “When discussing this case, the timeframe is 2023-2024; therefore, the witness’s knowledge regarding the governance of Hajj implementation within the Ministry of Religious Affairs is essential. This is needed to examine the proper processes and mechanisms that should have been followed, particularly concerning the distribution of additional Hajj quotas,” Budi explained at the KPK Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Monday.

Budi noted that Muhadjir, who currently serves as a Special Advisor to the President for Hajj Affairs, has confirmed his inability to attend the interrogation. Consequently, investigators will reschedule the examination, as all witness testimonies are vital to the ongoing investigation.

The KPK has named four suspects in the case, which is estimated to have caused state losses of Rp622 billion. The suspects include former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his Special Staff, Ishfah Abidal Aziz (also known as Gus Alex), both of whom are currently in custody. Two other suspects, who have not yet been detained, are Ismail Adham, Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), and Asrul Azis Taba, Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama and Chairperson of the Kesthuri Association.

In handling the Hajj quota case, the KPK is applying Article 2 paragraph (1) and/or Article 3 of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes, in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the 1st of the KUHP, or as intended in Article 603 or Article 604 of Law Number 1 of 2023 regarding the KUHP, in conjunction with Article 20 letter (c) of the KUHP.