Indonesian KPK says witness testimony strengthens evidence in Hajj quota corruption case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) announced that testimony from Fuad Hasan Masyhur, the Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), has bolstered the evidence against individuals implicated in the alleged corruption surrounding additional Hajj quotas for 2023-2024. Masyhur appeared before the KPK as a witness.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that Masyhur's testimony, along with that of other witnesses, serves to "strengthen and thicken" the evidence previously gathered by investigators. This evidence pertains to alleged money transfers made to parties within the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The KPK is working to consolidate the case files for four primary suspects, encompassing both state officials and private individuals.

Despite the KPK's assertions, Masyhur largely denied the commission's findings after his examination. He specifically refuted any discussions with KPK investigators about allegations that his subordinate, Ismail Adham, had given money to former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in exchange for the additional Hajj quota. Masyhur stated, "There was no such discussion."

The investigation targets Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, his special staffer Ishfah Abidal Aziz, Maktour's Operational Director Ismail Adham, and Asrul Azis Taba, the Chairman of the Asosiasi Kesthuri. The KPK estimates the alleged corruption has caused state financial losses amounting to Rp622 billion, based on calculations by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK RI). The commission plans to submit the case files for all suspects to the Corruption Court concurrently.