Gus Alex says he will expose flow of Hajj quota money, including payments to parliamentary committee

Ishfah Abidal Azis, known as Gus Alex, says more names and details will emerge in court over alleged payments connected to Indonesia’s additional Hajj quotas for 2023 and 2024.

Ishfah, who served as a special staff member to former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, made the statement while attending proceedings at the Central Jakarta Corruption Court. He was responding to earlier testimony that named Nusron Wahid, chairman of the 2024 Hajj Special Committee, as someone who allegedly requested money.

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Later, perhaps during the trial, it will be revealed. There will be other names. There will be other names

“Later, perhaps during the trial, it will be revealed. There will be other names. There will be other names,” Ishfah said. When asked about other committee members, he urged reporters to wait for the proceedings. “We will see later. I will disclose everything,” he said, adding, “Certainly.”

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We will see later. I will disclose everything

During an earlier hearing, Ishfah and former Nahdlatul Ulama executive staff member Syaiful Bahri confirmed the handover of about US$400,000 to the DPR Hajj Special Committee. In questioning, Ishfah linked the payment to a request from Zainal Abidin, described as a friend of Nusron Wahid, and said the money was delivered through a person named Erik. Bahri confirmed the account after Ishfah explained who had requested the payment.

Bahri had previously testified that Asrul Azis Taba, chairman of the Kesthuri Association and a commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, had entrusted him with money intended for Ishfah. The money was later described as intended for delivery to the Hajj committee, chaired by Nusron. Four people face proceedings in the alleged corruption case: Yaqut, Ishfah, Maktour operational director Ismail Adham and Asrul. The case involves alleged state losses of 622.090 billion rupiah.

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Certainly