Hajj Corruption Trial Continues to Evidentiary Phase After Judge Rejects Former Minister's Plea

A corruption trial involving former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas will move to the evidentiary stage after a Corruption Court judge dismissed the minister's plea. The defense had challenged the indictment, arguing that the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) had mischaracterized the alleged actions.

Lawyers for Qoumas contended that the prosecutor's description of events more closely resembled a trading or misuse of Hajj quotas, particularly due to alleged "expedited fees" from special Hajj organizers (PIHK). They questioned the KPK's basis for framing these actions as corruption that resulted in state financial losses.

However, the panel of judges rejected this argument, stating that the court was not prosecuting Qoumas under laws related to the trading of Hajj quotas. Instead, the indictment cited Article 603 of the Criminal Code and Article 3 of the Corruption Eradication Law. The judges emphasized that whether the described events constitute corruption is a matter of substance to be proven during the trial, not a reason to dismiss the indictment at this preliminary stage.

The KPK's case centers on the alleged improper filling and distribution of additional special Hajj quotas for 2023 and 2024. Prosecutors claim these quotas were allocated to accommodate PIHK requests, bypassing standard procedures and involving expedited fees. The indictment further alleges that Qoumas directed the allocation of 50 percent of the 2024 additional special Hajj quotas without proper technical review, leading to alleged bribes totaling $271,500 (approximately Rp 4.83 billion).

While the defense challenged the specifics of how and when this money was allegedly received, the judge reiterated that these details are part of the evidence to be presented. The KPK's claim of state financial losses, reportedly amounting to Rp 662.09 billion based on an investigative audit by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), also remains to be proven.