JAKARTA - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named two new suspects in the corruption case of quotas and the organization of the 2023-2024 hajj pilgrimage at the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag).
This step also broke the claim of the former Minister of Religion, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who had previously often echoed that he did not receive funds in the case.
The two new suspects are the Director of Operations of Maktour Travel, Ismail Adhan, and the former Chairman of Kesthuri, Asrul Azis Taba.
The Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu, emphasized that this determination proves the existence of a kick-back scheme that flows into the circle of power of the Ministry of Religion.
"YCQ (Yaqut Cholil Qoumas) is always said everywhere or sung, it is conveyed that there is nothing to receive. Well, with the forced efforts against these two people, it is clear that these two people have given a certain amount of money," said Asep in his statement in Jakarta, Tuesday, March 31.
Based on the investigation, Ismail Adhan allegedly deposited US$ 30 thousand to Yaqut's special staff, Ishfah Abidal Azis.
Not only that, he also transferred funds to the Director General of PHU Kemenag, Abdul Latief, worth 5,000 US dollars and 16,000 Saudi riyals. In return, Maktour reaped an illegal profit of IDR 27.8 billion in 2024.
Meanwhile, Asrul Azis Taba is said to have poured in up to 406 thousand US dollars to facilitate additional quotas for eight travel agents under the auspices of Kesthuri, which yielded illegal profits of Rp. 40.8 billion.
The KPK said the actions of the suspects fulfilled the elements of Articles 2 and 3 of the Corruption Law regarding efforts to benefit themselves and harm the state.
This case is rooted in the manipulation of 20,000 additional Hajj quotas that should have been allocated 92 percent for regular pilgrims in accordance with the law.
However, Yaqut allegedly unilaterally changed the composition to 50:50 through a non-transparent decision. This mode was followed by instructions to withdraw illegal levies (fees) from travel agents of US $ 2,000 to US $ 5,000 per pilgrim.
The total state losses in this scandal are estimated to reach IDR 622 billion. In addition to enriching their personal pockets, some of the funds were allegedly prepared to condition the Special Committee (Pansus) for the DPR RI Hajj in mid-2024, although the bribery plan ultimately failed.
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