Yaqut Declares Readiness for Trial in Hajj Quota Corruption Case

Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, a suspect in the alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024, has declared his readiness to be transferred by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to court at any time. The statement was made by Yaqut during a break in his examination today. “Ready,” said the former Minister of Religious Affairs for the 2019-2024 period in response to journalists at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Friday (19/6). Today, Yaqut underwent examination in his capacity as a witness for other suspects. He is currently serving the final 30 days of his detention period. “Today’s examination of YCQ [Yaqut Cholil Qoumas] is in his capacity as a witness to provide information regarding the unlawful acts of other suspects,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when contacted via written message. The other suspects being legally processed by the KPK are Yaqut’s Special Staff member Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, Maktour Operations Director Ismail Adham, and the Chairman of the Kesthuri Association who is also a Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, Asrul Azis Taba. The KPK stated it will transfer the case files of the suspects to the Corruption Court simultaneously. During the ongoing investigation, the KPK has identified more than 300 travel agencies involved in the additional hajj quota scheme. A number of travel agencies have been hesitant to provide information regarding the practice of buying and selling additional hajj quotas. The KPK is applying Article 2 paragraph (1) and/or Article 3 of the Corruption Eradication Law in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code, or as referred to in Article 603 or Article 604 of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Criminal Code in conjunction with Article 20 letter (c) of the Criminal Code Law. These articles relate to state financial losses. Based on calculations by the audit team of the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), the alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024 is suspected to have caused state financial losses amounting to Rp622 billion.