KPK Considering Request for Suspension of Detention of Suspected Corruption in Haji Asrul Aziz

JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has confirmed the request for a postponement of detention submitted by the suspect in the alleged corruption in determining quotas and organizing the 2023-2024 Hajj pilgrimage at the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag), Asrul Aziz Taba. Investigators are studying the submission from various aspects.

"Yes, we confirm that we have received a request for a suspension of detention submitted by the suspect Asrul Aziz Taba in the case of alleged corruption related to the management of special hajj quotas," said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to reporters through a written statement, Friday, June 19.

A number of aspects that are considered include the reasons given by the applicant, the objective conditions underlying the application, to the ongoing investigation needs.

Budi said that the authority to grant or reject the suspension of detention was entirely in the hands of investigators in accordance with legal provisions.

"It needs to be understood that the authority to carry out detention or provide a suspension of detention is with the investigator as stipulated in the regulations in order to ensure the effectiveness of the investigation process," he said.

Furthermore, Budi explained that the detention was carried out for the sake of investigation, including preventing the suspects from destroying evidence, influencing witnesses, and ensuring that the legal process runs effectively.

"Therefore, every application submitted by the suspect will be considered professionally, proportionally, and based on verifiable facts," he said.

The KPK also ensures that all detainees receive adequate health services, including access to treatment and medical examinations if necessary.

"The KPK ensures that all decisions taken will be based on the principle of due process of law, while still taking into account the humanitarian aspect, the health condition of the person concerned, and the interests of handling the case so that the investigation process can run optimally," said Budi.

Asrul is also known to have sued the KPK through a pretrial at the South Jakarta District Court to test the legality or not of the designation of himself as a suspect. However, the first hearing held on Friday, June 19 was postponed because the respondent had not yet appeared.

In this case, the KPK named four suspects, namely former Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, former Special Staff to the Minister of Religion Ishfah Abidal Aziz alias Gus Alex, Director of Operations of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour) Ismail Adham, and Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama and former Chairman of Kesthuri Asrul Azis Taba.

The KPK suspects that the additional quota for the 2024 hajj was significantly diverted to the special hajj quota. In addition, it is suspected that there has been a collection of fees from a number of special hajj organizers which then flowed to a number of parties.

In the ongoing investigation, investigators also found information regarding the alleged preparation of funds of USD1 million to condition the DPR Hajj Commission. However, the alleged provision is said to have not been realized due to the rejection of the party that would receive it.