Indonesia's KPK transfers hajj quota corruption case to prosecutors

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has advanced its investigation into alleged corruption surrounding hajj quotas by transferring the case files of four suspects to prosecutors. The KPK stated that the investigation is complete, paving the way for the suspects to face trial.

The suspects include former Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, his ex-special staffer Ishfah Abidal Aziz, PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour) operational director Ismail Adham, and PT Raudah Eksati Utama commissioner Asrul Azis Taba. The KPK believes these individuals manipulated additional special hajj quotas, which were allocated to Indonesia in 2024.

According to the KPK, the scheme involved dividing regular and special hajj quotas, with a 50-50 split. Travel agencies affiliated with Maktour allegedly arranged these special quotas. The commission further detailed that Ismail allegedly paid $30,000 to Ishfah and $5,000 plus 16,000 Saudi riyals to Hilman Latief, Director General of Hajj and Umrah Services at the Ministry of Religion. Maktour is suspected of illicitly profiting approximately Rp 27.8 billion from this arrangement in 2024.

Asrul Azis Taba is also accused of giving $406,000 to Ishfah. The KPK indicated that eight special hajj service providers linked to Asrul also gained illicit profits. The commission emphasized that the upcoming trial will serve as a public forum to objectively test all evidence and establish the defendants' criminal liability.