The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has intensified its investigation into alleged corruption surrounding Indonesia’s 2023–2024 Hajj quota, with state losses already estimated at more than IDR1 trillion ($60.9mn). According to Tempo.co, the scandal involves the mismanagement of 20,000 additional quotas provided by Saudi Arabia, which were intended to shorten waiting times for Indonesian pilgrims. Instead, the distribution became a lucrative source of abuse, with suspicions that special Hajj candidates were able to depart immediately without enduring the usual years-long queue.

KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo explained that this allegation is central to the probe. As reported by VOI.id, on September 1, investigators questioned four witnesses at the agency’s Red and White building in South Jakarta: these included Achmad Ruhyudin, a financial staff member of the Mutiara Haji Association; Arie Prasetyo, Manager of Uhud Tour; Asrul Azis Taba, the General Chair of Kesthuri and the Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama; as well as Eris Herlambang of PT Anugerah Citra Mulia. “They were examined regarding the process of obtaining additional Hajj quotas and the possibility of special Hajj candidates being able to leave immediately without queuing,” Budi said in a written statement on September 3, as cited by Tempo.co.

Seized assets and evidence

The case has already led to the seizure of large assets. VOI.id reported that investigators confiscated $1.6mn, four vehicles, and five parcels of land and buildings linked to parties suspected of profiting from the quota distribution. Budi described these seizures as essential for both strengthening evidence and ensuring recovery of state losses. “This is the KPK’s first step in optimising asset recovery in light of financial losses caused by corruption,” he said.

The investigation has also drawn in prominent figures, including former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who was questioned regarding the rationale behind the controversial 50:50 distribution of quotas between regular and special Hajj. As Tempo.co highlighted, this allocation violated existing law, which stipulates that 92% of quotas should go to regular pilgrims and just 8% to special Hajj participants.

Money trails and legal grounds

KPK officials emphasised that the probe aims to uncover the flow of illicit funds generated by the alleged buying and selling of quotas. According to VOI.id, the investigation is supported by a general investigation warrant (Sprindik), which grants authority for coercive measures, including witness examinations and searches. The warrant applies Article 2 and Article 3 of the Anti-Corruption Law, alongside Article 55 of the Criminal Code, underscoring that the scandal has inflicted measurable losses on the state.

Early estimates already put those losses above IDR1 trillion, but Tempo.co reported that the figure could rise significantly as KPK continues to coordinate with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK).

Testimonies and institutional support

Officials from the Hajj Financial Management Agency (BPKH) have also been questioned. Head of BPKH, Fadlul Imansyah, confirmed after a day-long session with investigators on September 2 that he provided information and fully supports the legal process. Speaking to VOI.id, he stressed, “As good citizens and representatives of state institutions, we fully support all efforts to uphold the law.”

Not all figures summoned have complied. Tempo.co noted that preacher and Uhud Tour owner Khalid Zeed Abdullah Basalamah failed to appear for questioning, citing other commitments. His absence adds another layer of complexity to an already sprawling probe that involves government officials, financial managers, and private tour operators.

Implications for pilgrims and institutions

The Hajj quota scandal is more than a financial crime. For millions of Indonesians waiting up to two decades for their turn to embark on the pilgrimage, revelations that some individuals bypassed the queue through corrupt means strike at the heart of fairness and trust in the system. As VOI.id observed, the misuse of Saudi Arabia’s goodwill in providing an extra 20,000 slots undermines both public faith in religious institutions and Indonesia’s international credibility.

As investigations continue, the KPK faces the dual challenge of tracing complex financial transactions and holding powerful figures accountable. With state losses already surpassing IDR1 trillion and the prospect of more revelations to come, this case stands as one of the most significant corruption scandals to hit Indonesia’s religious affairs sector in recent years. Both Tempo.co and VOI.id underline that the outcome will be closely watched, not just for the recovery of state funds but for restoring public trust in the integrity of the Hajj pilgrimage process.