Several Names Mentioned in Hajj Quota Corruption Trial
Several names were mentioned during the trial of the Hajj quota corruption case, involving defendants including the former Minister of Religious Affairs for the 2019-2024 period, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas; Yaqut’s Special Staff, Ishfah Abidal Azis (alias Gus Alex); Maktour Operational Director, Ismail Adham; and the Chairman of the Kesthuri Association and Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, Asrul Azis Taba, on Tuesday (8/9).
Today’s session focused on examining four witnesses, including Abdul Muhyi, the Head of the Special Hajj Registration Section for 2014-2020. These names were disclosed as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors presented the Examination Reports (BAP).
The BAP contained a list of ‘floating’ names of Hajj pilgrims alongside the quotas they received. One of the names mentioned was the former Vice Chairman of Commission VIII, Ace Hasan Syadzily. Other names listed included members of Commission VIII, Mail, Bowo, Asrul, Mozaik, and several others.
During the trial, Abdul Muhyi testified that the list of special TX [pilgrims with specific waiting periods] and T0 [pilgrims without waiting periods] pilgrims originated from the Head of the Sub-directorate of Licensing, Accreditation, and Special Hajj Organising at the Directorate of Umrah and Special Hajj Development for the 2023-2024 period, M. Agus Syafii.
“Did you ever receive a summary of TX or T0 pilgrim names and which quotas they belonged to? There are keywords ‘floating’ and ‘real’, Sir. Yes. And where did that data come from, Sir?” the prosecutor asked.
“The ‘floating’ data resulted from discussions with Mr. Agus [Syafii]; ‘floating’ essentially refers to the plotting, Sir—plotting a certain amount, but the actual realisation was different,” said Abdul Muhyi.
Furthermore, Abdul Muhyi confirmed in court that the list represented proposals for the absorption of additional special Hajj quotas. “That was the proposal that came in. And it was under the name of…” Abdul Muhyi told the prosecutor.
In addition to Abdul Muhyi, the prosecutor called three other witnesses: former Ministry of Religious Affairs temporary staff, Ridwan Kurniawan; Nila Adulitya Devi (private sector); and the Director of Domestic Hajj Services, Saiful Mujab.
The alleged corruption case regarding the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota is estimated to have caused state losses of Rp622,090,070,166.41 (approximately Rp622 billion), according to the Investigative Audit Report from the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK).
The case also alleges that several other parties were enriched, including 313 Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK).
Ace Hasan Denies Allegations
Meanwhile, Ace Hasan denied ever requesting to be included in the 2023-2024 special Hajj pilgrim list. “I never requested a Hajj quota. When I was the Leader of Commission VIII, many pilgrims on the waiting list came to ask for help because they assumed the Leader of Commission VIII had a special channel to the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” Ace told reporters.
Ace reiterated that the authority for Hajj departures must strictly follow regulations. “All aspirations for acceleration that were submitted were purely forwarded by me to the Ministry’s system, which holds the data. The principle is clear: if it matches the waiting list number, they will definitely depart. Therefore, the claim regarding the use of names for personal quotas is entirely baseless,” he said.