Indonesia's KPK probes hajj quota corruption scandal

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is investigating an alleged corruption scheme in the allocation of additional Hajj quotas for 2023‑2024. The probe centres on former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, his former special staff Ishfah Abidal Aziz (aka Gus Alex), and senior officials of private Hajj travel companies PT Maktour and PT Raudah Eksati Utama.

KPK has named four suspects – Yaqut, Ishfah, PT Maktour’s operational director Ismail Adham, and commissioner Asrul Azis Taba – and has detained them. The investigation alleges that money, including up to US$1 million, was transferred to the DPR’s Hajj committee, and that illegal gains of roughly Rp27.8 billion for Maktour and Rp40.8 billion for eight affiliated travel organisers were secured through the irregular quota allocation. A Badan Pemeriksa Keuangan audit estimates the total state loss at around Rp622 billion.

KPK has indicated it may summon the DPR Hajj committee for further testimony and continues to examine the flow of funds from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Asrul Taba has filed a request to suspend his detention. The case, launched on 9 August 2025 and expanded with additional arrests in June 2026, remains under active investigation.