Ex-Minister Yaqut Ready for Hajj Quota Corruption Trial Today

Former Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, arrived at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) court in Jakarta, wearing the distinctive orange vest of a KPK detainee. He is set to face trial for alleged corruption in the additional Hajj quota for 2023-2024.

Yaqut stated his readiness for the proceedings, expressing cooperation and asking for public prayers. "God willing, I am ready, God willing, I am ready," he said. "Just pray that this trial goes well, smoothly. Pray that everything that is right will be revealed."

His wife, Eny Retno, also attended, expressing hope for justice. "Please pray, please everyone pray. Hopefully, the trial will go well and smoothly. We deeply respect the ongoing legal process, hopefully, we will get a good and just trial. Just pray for us," she said. Yaqut has been in detention for approximately three months.

Three other defendants will also face indictment from the KPK prosecutor's office. They include Yaqut's special staffer Ishfah Abidal Azis, Maktour Operations Director Ismail Adham, and Asrul Azis Taba, chairman of the Asosiasi Kesthuri and commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama. The case is being heard by presiding judge Ni Kadek Susantiani and judges Adek Nurhadi and Sigit Herman Binaji.

The KPK is prosecuting the case under articles related to state financial losses. According to auditors from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) of Indonesia, the alleged corruption has caused state financial losses amounting to Rp622 billion.