Yustinus Paat, Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) stated on Monday that preliminary findings from a corruption probe into the allocation of additional Hajj quotas in 2024 indicate more than Rp 1 trillion ($64 million) in state losses.
The agency is working with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to confirm the exact figure, which stems from alleged irregularities in the distribution of 20,000 extra pilgrim slots granted by Saudi Arabia last year.
Under existing rules, 92 percent of the quota should go to regular pilgrims and 8 percent to special Hajj packages. However, investigators allege the additional slots were split evenly between the two categories, potentially benefiting certain travel agencies and individuals. Special Hajj is a premium pilgrimage package run by licensed private agencies that costs far more than the regular Hajj but offers faster departure, better facilities, and shorter waiting times
"This is still under calculation, but our initial estimate of state losses exceeds Rp 1 trillion," KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told reporters in Jakarta. "Anyone found to have benefited, whether individuals, corporations, or officials, will be held accountable."
The probe has widened to include senior officials from the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH). KPK recently questioned BPKH head Fadlul Imansyah over the management of pilgrims' funds, which are handled by his agency before being allocated to the ministry or private operators.
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was also summoned last week, with KPK signaling he may be called again as the case has now entered the formal investigation stage. Other witnesses include ministry officials, prominent cleric and Hajj operator Khalid Basalamah, and Hajj Directorate General Hilman Latief.
Yaqut's spokesperson, Anna Hasbi, rejected suggestions that the 92-8 quota split should apply to the extra slots, arguing that allocation of the additional quota falls under ministerial discretion.
KPK has pledged that no one will be spared from scrutiny, amid calls from the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) and the public to ensure that the investigation targets high-level decision makers as well as lower-ranking officials.
"Our work is based on evidence – witness testimony, documents, and other material proof," Prasetyo said. "With sufficient evidence, we will name suspects and pursue charges."