Dito Ariotedjo Questioned Over Two New Private Suspects in Hajj Quota Case

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, faced renewed questioning from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) concerning new private sector suspects in the alleged hajj quota corruption case. Ariotedjo stated that his testimony focused on adding information to previous statements, particularly regarding the process of obtaining additional hajj quotas from Saudi Arabia. He had previously been questioned in January about the initial suspects, including former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his former special staffer, Ishfah Abidal Azis. Ariotedjo's presence in Saudi Arabia during a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where the additional quota was discussed, makes his testimony relevant. His father-in-law's connection to an association also reportedly factored into the questioning. The KPK has identified four suspects in the case, including former Minister Yaqut, Gus Alex, PT Makassar Toraja's operational director Ismail Adham, and the chairman of the Asosiasi Kesthuri, Asrul Azis Taba. The commission alleges that Ismail and Asrul offered bribes to Yaqut, facilitated by Gus Alex. Ismail is accused of giving $30,000 to Gus Alex and $5,000 to former Director General of Hajj and Umrah, Hilman Latief. The KPK estimates the state's financial loss in this case to be Rp622 billion, based on calculations by the Supreme Audit Agency.

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Today's examination was for a new investigation order. Previously, I was here for the investigation order for the first suspects, Gus Yaqut and Gus Alex. This time it's for the private sector. It's about adding information.