The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed suspicions that approximately ten travel agencies benefited from irregularities in the quota allocation and management of Hajj pilgrimage arrangements at the Ministry of Religious Affairs during 2023-2024.
“About ten agencies, roughly that many,” stated Setyo Budiyanto during a press conference at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) in Sleman, DIY, as quoted by CNN on Tuesday (August 12).
He explained that these agencies vary in scale, ranging from large to small operators. “There are travel companies that can be categorized as large, medium-sized, and some smaller ones,” he added.
Setyo emphasized that further details about the private sector’s alleged gains will be clarified once investigations are concluded.
In the same session, he also mentioned steps taken to prevent former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas from potential legal complications. “Prevention measures are certainly necessary—to ensure he remains in Indonesia, making it easier for investigators if he is summoned or questioned,” he explained.
This case has progressed from an initial investigation to an active investigation after the KPK held an exposé on Friday (August 8). The case is being handled with a General Investigation Order (Sprindik), though no suspects have yet been publicly named. The authorities will determine responsible parties as the investigation continues.
Initial estimates suggest that the state could have suffered losses exceeding IDR 1 trillion due to alleged corruption involving the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota. To confirm the exact figures, the KPK is collaborating with the Financial Audit Agency (BPK).
Several officials and former officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, along with private actors from Hajj and Umrah travel agencies, have been summoned for questioning.
Regarding Yaqut, he underwent an approximately 4-hour and 45-minute clarification process at the KPK’s Red and White Building in South Jakarta on Thursday (August 7).
