Former Ministry official clarifies mutation in hajj corruption trial

Nur Arifin, the former Director of Umrah and Special Hajj at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, testified in the Jakarta Pusat District Court regarding a corruption trial involving former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. Arifin addressed his December 2023 mutation to UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, clarifying his previous statements in the investigation report (BAP).

Arifin denied that his mutation was a direct consequence of rejecting a proposed 50:50 split scheme for additional hajj quotas. He stated that while the rejection was a fact discussed in a meeting, it was not intended to imply a cause-and-effect relationship with his transfer.

Additionally, Arifin testified that the former minister, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, had previously suggested the mutation was intended to “save” him. Arifin noted that he expressed gratitude for that perceived action at the time.