Timeline of Hajj Quota Case: Seven Months of KPK Investigation Culminates in Detention of Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was formally detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday, 12 March 2026, following the rejection of his pre-trial motion. The detention came after a seven-month investigation uncovered allegations of substantial state losses in the administration of hajj pilgrimages.
As he was led to the detention vehicle at the KPK’s Red and White Building, Yaqut denied involvement in the alleged illicit fund transfers. He claimed that all decisions he made were solely in the interests of pilgrims.
“I never received even a single rupiah from the case I am accused of, and I made all these policies purely for the safety of pilgrims. That is what I can convey,” Yaqut stated briefly.
The case began on 9 August 2025 when the KPK commenced investigation into alleged corruption in determining hajj quotas for 2023-2024. Within days, on 11 August 2025, the KPK released preliminary findings showing state losses exceeding Rp1 trillion and placed three individuals on travel bans, including Yaqut, his special staff Ishfah Abidal Aziz (known as Gus Alex), and hajj bureau owner Maktour, Fuad Hasan Masyhur.
A breakthrough occurred on 9 January 2026 when the KPK designated Yaqut and Gus Alex as primary suspects. Although Yaqut challenged the designation through a pre-trial motion at the South Jakarta District Court on 10 February 2026, the judge rejected his petition on 11 March 2026, clearing the way for the KPK to proceed with detention.
The core allegation involves the manipulation of the distribution of an additional 20,000 hajj quota slots. According to regulations, additional quotas should have been allocated 92% for regular hajj and 8% for special hajj. However, investigators discovered evidence suggesting the quotas were allegedly divided equally at 50% each. This practice was deemed to violate regulations and to have harmed pilgrims who should have received priority through the regular route. According to the latest audit by the State Audit Board (BPK RI) on 4 March 2026, the total state financial loss resulting from this policy reached Rp622 billion.
To date, the KPK continues to investigate the involvement of other parties. Beyond internal Religious Affairs Ministry officials, investigators have examined several witnesses from the private sector and travel service providers. The KPK is committed to completing the case file promptly to enable the matter to proceed to trial expeditiously.