'Shadowless Kick' Tactic Revealed in Hajj Quota Trial
Prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) questioned Hilman Latief, the Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organistion at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, regarding the meaning of the term ‘shadowless kick’ (tendangan tanpa bayangan). Latief appeared as a witness in the 202/2024 additional Hajj quota corruption case at the Jakarta Central District Court’s Anti-Corruption Court on Thursday (24/9).
“Regarding your previous statement, you expressed shock at the high number of T0 pilgrims (those who register and depart immediately). We played a Zoom recording at that time. You also mentioned findings from the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) regarding T0, where the phrase ‘shadowless kick tactic’ was noted. Do you remember making such a statement?” the prosecutor asked during the trial.
“Yes,” replied Hilman.
“What was the conclusion at that time?” the prosecutor pressed.
“The BPK findings were numerous, ranging from moderate to serious issues. Some related to governance, others to procedures, and so on. Regarding the quota, because the number of departing pilgrims was so large, we hoped for a ‘shadowless kick’. That was my term, meaning we must ensure this does not happen again,” Hilman explained.
The prosecutor further clarified whether the term focused solely on T0 issues in Hajj implementation or encompassed other matters.
Hilman responded that, in the context of the BPK audit, the focus was on T0.
“The meaning of the ‘shadowless kick tactic’—this was your own phrasing. Do you define it as T0?” the prosecutor asked.
“Not only T0, sir,” answered Hilman.
“Then what?” the prosecutor continued.
“It refers to the entirety of our process in complying with regulations,” Hilman clarified.
“What are the concrete examples, then? T0?” the prosecutor asked.
“T0,” Hilman replied.
“And what else?” the prosecutor added.
“In that meeting, it appeared to be focused on T0, sir,” Hilman answered.
In addition to Hilman Latief, the KPK prosecutor also presented another witness in today’s trial, the former Head of the Hajj Affairs Office at the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Jeddah, Nasrullah Jasam.
Four defendants are being legally processed in the alleged corruption case involving the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota, which is suspected of causing state losses amounting to Rp622,090,076,166.41 (approximately Rp622 billion), according to the Investigative Audit Report from the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK).
The defendants include the former Minister of Religious Affairs for the 2019-2024 period, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas; a Special Staff to Yaqut named Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex; the Operational Director of Maktour, Ismail Adham; and the General Chairman of the Kesthuri Association, who is also a Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, Asrul Azis Taba.
The case is also alleged to have enriched several other parties, including 313 Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK).