KPK questions Dito Ariotedjo, probes additional Hajj quota

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has questioned former Youth and Sports Minister Ario Bimo Nandito Ariotedjo as a witness in the ongoing investigation into corruption surrounding the 2023-2024 Hajj quota. The questioning, held at the KPK headquarters in Jakarta, aimed to strengthen the evidence already gathered by investigators. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that Dito's testimony was sought to clarify the background of the additional Hajj quota granted by Saudi Arabia to Indonesia. Prasetyo noted that existing evidence points to initiatives from special Hajj travel organizers, which allegedly diverge from the official Indonesian government's rationale for obtaining the extra quota. The KPK is also examining former Director General of Hajj and Umrah Services at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Hilman Latief, focusing on the allocation and sale of this additional quota. These testimonies are expected to bolster the case against four individuals already named as suspects, particularly two from the private sector. Dito Ariotedjo briefly told reporters that investigators sought further information regarding his recent visit to Saudi Arabia. Hilman Latief offered no comment on the specifics of his examination. The KPK initiated this investigation on August 9, 2025, and subsequently named former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his former special staff as suspects on January 9, 2026. An audit by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) revealed potential state losses amounting to Rp622 billion. Yaqut was detained in March 2026, with his detention status fluctuating due to health issues. Two more suspects, Ismail Adham and Asrul Aziz Taba, both from the travel industry, were named and detained in June 2026.