Yaqut Asks for Prayers Ahead of Indictment Hearing: 'The Truth Will Be Revealed'
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas is set to face his indictment hearing in a case concerning alleged corruption in the provision of additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024. He stated he was prepared for the trial. “God willing, I am ready, I am ready,” Yaqut said at the Jakarta Corruption Court on Tuesday (11 August 2026).
Yaqut requested prayers for the day’s proceedings. He expressed his belief that the truth would be revealed during the evidentiary process. “Just pray that this trial goes well and smoothly. Pray that all that is true will be revealed,” he said.
Yaqut said he was surrendering the outcome entirely to God. His wife, Eny Retno Yaqut, also known as Eny Retno Purwaningtyas, was present at the court. “We surrender, we surrender. We leave it to Allah,” he said.
Eny Retno also asked for prayers for the trial. She expressed hope that her husband would receive justice in the case. “Please pray, everyone, please pray. We hope the trial proceeds well and smoothly. We fully respect the ongoing legal process, and we hope to receive a good and just trial. Please pray for us,” she said. “We are making every effort, both outwardly and inwardly. Please just pray that our entire family is given strength,” she added.
Meanwhile, Yaqut’s arrival in the courtroom was greeted with salawat. His supporters collectively chanted salawat upon the Prophet Muhammad.
In addition to Yaqut, three other defendants are scheduled to undergo their first hearing today. They are: Yaqut’s former special staff member Ishfah Abidal Azis, also known as Gus Alex; the Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), Ismail Adham; and the Chairman of the Kesthuri Association, Asrul Azis Taba.
The panel of judges presiding over the case is chaired by Ni Kadek Susantiani, with Adek Nurhadi and Sigit Herman Binaji serving as member judges.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) alleges that Ismail and Asrul provided money to Yaqut during his tenure as Minister. The payment was allegedly made through an intermediary, Yaqut’s former special staff member Gus Alex. Ismail is suspected of giving USD 30,000 to Gus Alex. He is also alleged to have handed over USD 5,000 to Hilman Latief, the former Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religious Affairs in 2024. The money was allegedly given to secure an additional special hajj quota for 2024. The KPK stated that this case caused state losses and resulted in the postponement of departure for thousands of regular pilgrims.