Why KPK is Delaying Hajj Quota Corruption Case Transfer Until Hajj Season Ends
The KPK will transfer the corruption case involving former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) to the Public Prosecutor’s Office after this year’s Hajj season concludes.
“We have discussed that after the Hajj process is completed and the pilgrims have returned,” said Asep Guntur Rahayu, KPK’s Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in Jakarta on Monday (1/6/2026).
Asep explained that investigators agreed to wait until the Hajj process is complete. The KPK is waiting for the Hajj season to end because officials from the Ministry of Hajj (Kemenhaj) will be called as witnesses.
“Insyaallah, we will proceed with the transfer as soon as possible, followed by a trial,” he added.
Asep further explained that the timing of the transfer was chosen to facilitate summoning witnesses currently serving during the Hajj period.
“Earlier, we coordinated with the Ministry of Hajj regarding Hajj implementation because there are many witnesses who are Hajj officials who will testify in court,” Asep said.
“We must not have those involved still performing their Hajj duties during the trial, as it would disrupt the Hajj process,” he added.
Previously, KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto confirmed the corruption case is ongoing. Setyo said investigators still have time to detain suspects and there are still several witnesses to be questioned.
“The detention period for investigators has not yet expired. For Hajj, there are relatively many witnesses to be examined,” Setyo told reporters in Anyer, Serang Regency, Banten, on Thursday (21/5).
“So, I am confident that with the large number of witnesses, investigators must maximise efforts to gather evidence so the case file can be declared complete (P21) by prosecutors,” he added.
Setyo stressed that the investigation must be thoroughly completed to ensure all case file requirements are met for trial.
“It’s not just about the number of witnesses, but ensuring there are no gaps. We hope everything is covered so the trial process can proceed smoothly with complete documentation,” he said.
Four suspects in the Hajj quota corruption case have been named by the KPK:
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ)
Former Yaqut’s Special Assistant Ishfah Abidal Azis (Gus Alex)
PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour) Operational Director Ismail Adham (ISM)
Asosiasi Kesthuri Chairman Asrul Azis Taba (ASR).
So far, Yaqut and Alex have been detained, while Ismail and Asrul remain free.
The KPK suspects Ismail and Asrul provided money to Yaqut, the former minister, via Gus Alex as an intermediary.
Ismail is suspected of giving Gus Alex USD 30,000 and also handing USD 5,000 to former Hajj and Umrah Director General Hilman Latief (HL) in 2024.
The KPK states the state loss in this case amounts to Rp622 billion, calculated by the Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK).