KPK uncovers suspected evidence tampering in the case of alleged corruption involving the 2024 Hajj quota. But who might be behind this disappearance of evidence?
The suspicion emerged after investigators raided Maktour Travel’s office in Jakarta, as announced by KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo on Friday, August 15, 2025. While specific details about the evidence remain undisclosed, preliminary indications suggest a connection to this tampering.
“During the raid at Maktour Travel’s office, we uncovered early signs pointing toward potential evidence removal,” Budi explained. The agency is now scrutinizing the findings closely.
KPK hasn’t hesitated to emphasize the seriousness of obstructing justice. “We are evaluating the situation, and those attempting to hinder investigations—such as by removing evidence—may face charges under Article 21 for obstruction of justice,” Budi warned.
There’s also an openness to summoning Fuad Hasan Masyhur, the head of Maktour, for questioning. The KPK promises thorough pursuit of the case. “We will summon relevant parties for questioning, including those who have been prevented from leaving the country,” Budi added, affirming that investigations are ongoing. Fuad has been among those restricted from overseas travel, alongside former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and ex-Advisor Ishfah Abidal Aziz.
Regarding the investigation process, Budi stated, “The search continues. We will keep updating the public on developments as part of our transparent legal process.” Earlier, on August 9, the KPK elevated its handling of the suspected corruption case from preliminary inquiry to full investigation, although no arrests have been made yet.
The agency has also conducted an initial estimate indicating over Rp 1 trillion in potential losses to the state—derived from internal calculations and discussions with the Public Accounting Board (BPK). These figures relate to the alleged misappropriation of the Hajj quota, which initially stood at 221,000 pilgrims for 2024, with Saudi Arabia adding an extra 20,000 slots for Indonesia. This additional quota was split equally between regular and special pilgrimage groups, yet suspicions arise that half of the extra slots for the special category may have been misused, violating regulations that limit this quota to 8% of the total.
The investigation extends into the distribution of these quotas among numerous travel agencies, which may have received varying shares based on their size. “Many travel agencies are involved, and the division likely depends on their scale—larger agencies potentially receiving more quotas,” explained Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy Copy of Enforcement at KPK during a press conference.
Further inquiries are underway to uncover who drafted the regulation on the additional quotas and whether illicit money flows were involved. Estimates suggest a fee ranging from USD 2,600 to USD 7,000 per quota may have been exchanged with officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, fueling concerns over widespread corruption in the process.
