Yaqut optimistic that truth will emerge in judicial review over hajj quota case
Jakarta – Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas expressed optimism that the truth will emerge through the judicial review proceedings challenging his designation as a suspect by the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK) regarding allegations of corruption involving additional hajj quotas for the 2023-2024 pilgrimage season.
“I am confident that with the very objective judiciary, which I believe operates fairly, the truth will find its way, wherever and whenever,” Yaqut stated following the judicial review hearing at Jakarta South District Court on Monday.
Yaqut said the judicial review represented a valuable opportunity to prove the truth for the nation. He expressed relief that the judicial review process, which he has closely monitored, has been conducted objectively throughout.
“I feel greatly relieved. Thus far, the judicial review process has been conducted openly, fairly, and objectively. Both the petitioner and the respondent have been given equal time and space,” he said.
He also noted the presence of expert witnesses from both the respondent and petitioner who shared common understanding. He therefore hoped that not only would the judicial process be objective, but the expert witnesses presented would also provide objective and comprehensive understanding.
In a separate statement, KPK Spokesman Budi Prasetyo said the commission was confident that the judge would accept the KPK’s legal arguments and confirm that all procedural aspects of the investigation, including Yaqut’s designation as a suspect, complied with applicable law and that sufficient valid evidence existed.
“Therefore, we are confident that in the ruling, the judge will reject the petition and declare the designation of Yaqut as a suspect in this case valid,” Budi said.
The judicial review hearing on the hajj quota corruption case was held at Jakarta South District Court on Monday. The ruling on the judicial review is scheduled for Wednesday, 11 March at 10:00 Western Indonesia Time.
Previously, the KPK stated that state losses in the alleged corruption case involving additional hajj quotas for the 2023-2024 pilgrimage season reached 622 billion rupiah.
In its response, the KPK noted that Yaqut’s designation as a suspect complied with legal procedure because it met the minimum requirement of two valid pieces of evidence. More than 40 individuals have provided statements in accordance with the KPK’s formal interrogation procedures concerning Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.
The KPK’s legal team added that Yaqut’s designation as a suspect followed a comprehensive process of data, information, and evidence gathering, thereby fulfilling the requirement for sufficient evidence through two valid evidentiary instruments.