Ex-Ministerial Aide Gus Alex Charged with Embezzling $6 Million in Hajj Fees

A former special staff member to Indonesia's Religious Affairs Minister, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, faces charges of alleged corruption and self-enrichment totaling Rp 93.42 billion (approximately $6.1 million USD). The accusations stem from his alleged involvement in corrupt practices related to the Hajj pilgrimage quota for the years 2023 and 2024.

Prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detailed that the illicit funds received by Gus Alex comprised $5.23 million USD, equivalent to about Rp 93.09 billion, and an additional Rp 330 million. These amounts were allegedly collected as fees for expediting the Hajj pilgrimage arrangements.

The indictment, presented during a trial at the Corruption Eradication Court in Central Jakarta, specified the flow of funds. This included $75,000 USD in fees for the 2023 Hajj acceleration from a PT Pesona Mozaik staff member, and $5.16 million USD along with Rp 330 million for the 2024 Hajj acceleration from various individuals.

Specific individuals named as sources of these funds include Asrul Azid Taba, who allegedly provided $436,000 USD and Rp 230 million, Ismail Adham ($30,000 USD), Umar Bakadam (Rp 100 million), Budi Darmawan ($2.39 million USD), and Ridwan Kurniawan ($2.3 million USD). The prosecution asserts that Gus Alex's alleged corruption has caused a total loss to the state amounting to Rp 622.09 billion.