Indonesian Anti-Graft Body Questions Ex-Minister in Hajj Quota Corruption Case
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
News
Official statement
Under investigation
- Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is questioning former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas as a witness in a graft case involving additional Hajj quotas.
- Yaqut, who is already a suspect in a separate case, is being questioned to clarify evidence related to alleged illegal practices in the distribution of Hajj quotas for 2023-2024.
- The KPK has seized various evidence, including documents and electronic data, and estimates the alleged corruption has cost the state Rp622 billion (approximately $38 million USD).
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is intensifying its investigation into alleged corruption surrounding additional Hajj quotas for 2023-2024, summoning former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas for questioning. Although Yaqut is already a suspect in another ongoing investigation, his current examination is in the capacity of a witness to clarify evidence gathered by investigators.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the questioning aims to confirm evidence previously obtained by investigators. Yaqut, who served as minister from 2019 to 2024, appeared at the KPK headquarters in Jakarta and affirmed his readiness to cooperate with the legal process, stating, "Ready."
Ready.
The investigation involves several other individuals, including Yaqut's former special staff Ishfah Abidal Aziz, Maktour's operational director Ismail Adham, and Asrul Azis Taba, chairman of the Kesthuri Association. The KPK has seized substantial evidence, including documents, electronic data, vehicles, and properties, as part of its probe.
Investigators have identified over 300 travel bureaus suspected of involvement in the alleged trading of additional Hajj quotas. The KPK estimates that the corruption scandal has resulted in state losses amounting to Rp622 billion (approximately $38 million USD). The legal proceedings are expected to be transferred to the Corruption Court soon, with charges potentially falling under laws related to state financial losses.
The examination of brother YCQ [Yaqut Cholil Qoumas] today is to confirm the evidence that has been obtained by investigators previously.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
More Stories
From Our Blog
What Gets Lost (and Found) When News Is Translated
The Critical Role of Diaspora Media in Global News
What Travellers Should Know About Countries with Restricted Press
A Digital Nomad's Guide to Following Local News
How the Same Story Looks Different in Different Countries
