The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named two new individuals as suspects in an unfolding investigation into alleged Hajj quota corruption. The latest individuals implicated are Ismail Adham, the Operational Director of PT Makassar Toraja (Maktour), and Asrul Azis Taba, who serves as both the Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama and the Chairman of the Kesthuri Association.
This significant development was announced by Asep Guntur Rahayu, the Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, on Monday, March 30. He confirmed the formal designation of the two new suspects, specifying their roles in the alleged scheme.
The announcement builds upon the KPK’s ongoing investigation, which had previously ensnared two other high-profile figures: former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his former special staff, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex. With these latest designations, the total number of suspects now stands at four, underscoring the expanding scope of the inquiry into irregularities within the Hajj pilgrimage system.
The alleged corruption centers on the illicit arrangement of additional special Hajj quotas. Investigators claim these quotas were allocated in a manner that circumvented established regulations, accompanied by the exchange of substantial monetary payments. The scheme reportedly allowed certain entities to profit illegally from the highly sought-after pilgrimage slots.
Specifically, the KPK alleges that Ismail Adham provided USD 30,000 to Gus Alex. Furthermore, Adham is accused of giving USD 5,000 and SAR 16,000 to Hilman Latief, who was then the Director General for Hajj and Umrah Organization. Through these alleged dealings, Maktour, the company Adham directed, reportedly reaped a staggering profit of Rp 27.8 billion from the special Hajj quotas.
Similarly, Asrul Azis Taba is alleged to have transferred USD 406,000 to Gus Alex. Entities identified as Private Hajj Organizers (PIHKs) affiliated with Asrul Azis Taba are said to have collectively gained Rp 40.8 billion from the same corrupt quota allocations. The KPK maintains that the funds received by Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex) and Hilman Latief were effectively “representations” of Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who served as the Minister of Religious Affairs at the time of the alleged offenses.
In light of their alleged actions, both Ismail Adham and Asrul Azis Taba face charges under Article 2 paragraph (1) and/or Article 3 of the Anti-Corruption Law in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code, or alternatively, Article 603 or Article 604 of the Criminal Code. These articles pertain to corruption offenses and joint participation in criminal acts.
As of the time of this report, neither Ismail Adham nor Asrul Azis Taba has issued statements regarding their designation as suspects. Hilman Latief has also refrained from commenting on the KPK’s allegations regarding the flow of funds.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named two new suspects, Ismail Adham, Operational Director of PT Maktour, and Asrul Azis Taba, Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama and Chairman of Kesthuri Association, in a Hajj quota corruption investigation. Announced on March 30, this expands the inquiry which previously implicated former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his special staff. The alleged scheme centers on illicit special Hajj quotas and substantial monetary payments.
Ismail Adham is accused of providing USD 30,000 to Gus Alex and other sums to Hilman Latief, with Maktour allegedly profiting Rp 27.8 billion from these quotas. Similarly, Asrul Azis Taba allegedly transferred USD 406,000 to Gus Alex, and affiliated entities gained Rp 40.8 billion. The KPK claims these funds were effectively representations for former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. Both new suspects face charges under anti-corruption laws.