Indonesia transfers corruption case of former minister over Hajj quotas

Indonesia's top anti-corruption body has officially moved the case of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to the prosecutor's office. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) handed over the case files, evidence, and suspects related to alleged corruption in additional Hajj pilgrimage quotas for the 2023-2024 period.

The handover, known as "Pelimpahan Tahap Dua" (Phase Two Transfer), signifies the completion of the investigation phase. This allows the case to proceed to the trial stage at the Corruption Crimes Court (Tipikor). Prosecutors will now prepare the indictment documents before the trial begins.

Qoumas is not the only suspect in the case. The KPK also transferred files for several other individuals implicated in the alleged corruption. These include Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, who previously served as a special staffer to the Religious Affairs Minister, and Asrul Azis Taba, former chairman of the Asosiasi Kesthuri and ex-commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama.

Additionally, the case files for Ismail Adham, former operational director of Maktour, were also submitted. The KPK stated that all evidence gathered meets the requirements for prosecution, indicating confidence in the strength of their case against the accused.