Ex-Minister Yaqut Accused of State Losses of Rp622 Billion in Hajj Quota Case

Former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has been charged with causing state financial losses amounting to Rp622.09 billion (approximately $35 million USD) in a case involving alleged corruption in the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota.

The indictment, presented by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutor, states that Yaqut, along with three co-defendants, his special staff Ishfah Abidal Azis, Maktour operational director Ismail Adham, and Asosiasi Kesthuri chairman Asrul Azis Taba, engaged in unlawful acts. The prosecutor detailed that the state's financial detriment was Rp622,090,207,166.41, as per an investigative audit by the Indonesian Supreme Audit Agency.

According to the prosecution, the allocation of the additional special hajj quota for 2023 and 2024 was conducted unlawfully. This involved allowing pilgrims without the standard waiting period, or with shorter waiting periods, to secure spots, thereby deviating from established procedures. The stated purpose was to accommodate requests from the Association of Special Hajj Organizers (PIHK).

The indictment further alleges that this process was accompanied by the collection of "expedited fees" from pilgrims. Yaqut is accused of diverting and arranging the distribution of 50 percent of the additional special hajj quota for 2024 without any technical basis. This action allegedly resulted in personal enrichment for Yaqut, amounting to $271,500 USD (approximately Rp4.8 billion), as well as enriching 313 PIHKs.