Not Yet Named A Suspect, KPK Chairman Affirms Cannot Intervene In Investigation Of Corruption Hajj Quota

KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

YOGYAKARTA - Chairman of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Setyo Budiyanto emphasized that he could not intervene in the alleged bribery determination of quotas and the implementation of Hajj for the period 2023-2024. The determination of the suspect is said to be waiting for investigators' readiness.

"Just wait. That's all me, the leadership cannot intervene with the investigators. Everything must be based on evidence, documents," Setyo told reporters at the Yogyakarta Kepatihan complex, Tuesday, December 9.

Setyo said that the determination of the suspect in the corruption case of quotas and the implementation of this pilgrimage would be carried out after the evidence was sufficient.

"(The process, ed) everything can be confirmed without any questions, without any intervention, the leadership and leadership have never intervened. Everything will be in accordance with the way," he asserted.

In addition, investigators are still in Saudi Arabia and Setyo has not heard the final results of the departure of his subordinates.

"I haven't monitored the results yet. Yes, what kind of report. Relevant is not, it's not appropriate. Well, it has to be conveyed to the leadership," said Setyo.

"Not only from investigators to deputies, later on in stages. That's it. So if there's a problem of waiting for anything else, maybe because it hasn't been announced, it means maybe something is still not resolved," he continued.

Previously reported, the KPK is investigating allegations of corruption related to quotas and the implementation of Hajj in 2023-2024 at the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag). No suspects have been named for using a general investigation warrant (sprindik).

The general Sprindik uses Article 2 Paragraph 1 and/or Article 3 of Law Number 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended by Law Number 20 of 2021 in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code. This means that there are state losses that occur due to this corrupt practice.

State losses in the corruption case of quota and Hajj for the period 2023-2024 are said to have reached more than IDR 1 trillion. This number is still increasing because it is only the initial calculation of the KPK which continues to coordinate with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK).

During the investigation process, a number of parties have been questioned, including Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. Investigators have also searched his house and found documents and electronic evidence that are suspected to be related.

Then, checks were also carried out on hundreds of travel agents or travel agents who organize special Hajj (PIHK) and confiscated money from them. However, the KPK has not detailed the amount because the calculation is still being carried out by investigators.