The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has unveiled an alleged scheme of money distribution involving Ismail Adham, Operational Director of PT Maktour, and Asrul Azis Taba, Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama and Chairman of the Kesthuri Association. These two individuals have been named new suspects in the ongoing investigation into alleged Hajj quota corruption, a significant development in a case that continues to shake the nation’s religious affairs sector.
According to KPK’s findings, Ismail Adham and Asrul Azis Taba allegedly disbursed funds to key figures within the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Recipients reportedly included Hilman Latief, who served as the Director General of Hajj and Umrah at the time, and Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, a former special staff member to then-Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.
During a press conference on Monday (March 30), KPK spokesperson Asep detailed the alleged transactions. “Suspect ISM [Ismail Adham] is believed to have given IAA [Gus Alex] a sum of USD 30,000, while Saudara HL [Hilman Latief], as the Director General for Hajj and Umrah at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, allegedly received USD 5,000 and SAR 16,000,” Asep stated. Furthermore, Asrul Azis Taba is also implicated in providing a substantial amount, USD 406,000, to Gus Alex.
KPK’s investigation suggests a deeper layer to these transactions. Asep explained that the money received by Gus Alex and Hilman Latief from the new suspects was allegedly intended as a representation of then-Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. This suggests a systemic approach to securing undue influence within the ministry.
The illicit payments made by Ismail Adham and Asrul Azis Taba were reportedly part of a corrupt agreement. This arrangement aimed to secure additional special Hajj quotas for companies affiliated with Maktour and Kesthuri. Asep elaborated that “Both suspects, Saudara ISM and Saudara ASR, in concert with officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, orchestrated the allocation of these additional special Hajj quotas for affiliated companies, enabling them to obtain extra Hajj quotas, including those benefiting from the expedited departure (T0) scheme.”
As a direct consequence of this elaborate bribery scheme, the companies involved reaped considerable illegal profits. Asep confirmed that Maktour garnered an illicit gain of Rp 27.8 billion in 2024. Simultaneously, eight travel agencies linked to Asrul Azis Taba collectively received Rp 40.8 billion in unlawful earnings, highlighting the significant financial benefits derived from the alleged corruption.
Currently, neither Gus Alex nor Hilman Latief have issued statements regarding the alleged receipt of these funds. Similarly, Ismail Adham and Asrul Azis Taba have yet to comment on their recent designation as suspects by the anti-graft agency.
The Hajj Quota Corruption Case
This latest development unfolds within a broader Hajj quota corruption investigation that previously saw the KPK name and detain Gus Yaqut and Gus Alex as initial suspects. Their arrests marked a critical turning point in exposing the alleged irregularities within the Hajj pilgrimage management.
The manipulation of Hajj quotas is believed to have taken place across 2023 and 2024. The investigation suggests that these sacred pilgrimage quotas were systematically arranged and distributed in exchange for illicit fees. This practice specifically targeted Special Hajj Organizers (PIHKs), which are essentially Hajj travel agencies, who were then compelled to pass these additional costs onto prospective special Hajj pilgrims, inflating their package prices.
KPK alleges that Gus Yaqut and Gus Alex played pivotal roles in orchestrating these corrupt Hajj quota arrangements. While the anti-graft body has indicated that a number of fees flowed to both individuals, it has not yet disclosed the precise amounts. The allegations underscore a significant breach of public trust and responsibility within the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Both Gus Yaqut and Gus Alex face charges under the Anti-Corruption Law for actions leading to state losses. The KPK estimates that the total financial detriment to the state in this far-reaching scandal amounts to a staggering Rp 622 billion, emphasizing the severe impact of the alleged corruption on public funds.
During his detention, Gus Yaqut vehemently denied receiving any money from the Hajj quotas, asserting that his actions were solely aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims. Meanwhile, Gus Alex has stated that he provided extensive information to investigators, expressing hope that his cooperation would lead to the uncovering of the truth. He also firmly denied receiving any directives from Gus Yaqut concerning the alleged corruption.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has named Ismail Adham and Asrul Azis Taba as new suspects in an alleged Hajj quota corruption scheme. These individuals reportedly disbursed funds to Hilman Latief, then Director General of Hajj and Umrah, and Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, a former special staff member to the Minister of Religious Affairs. Ismail Adham allegedly gave Gus Alex USD 30,000, while Hilman Latief received USD 5,000 and SAR 16,000; Asrul Azis Taba is implicated in providing Gus Alex USD 406,000, all intended to secure additional special Hajj quotas for their affiliated companies.
This scheme allegedly resulted in significant illegal profits, with Maktour gaining Rp 27.8 billion and other related travel agencies Rp 40.8 billion. This latest development is part of a broader Hajj quota corruption investigation spanning 2023-2024, which previously named Gus Yaqut and Gus Alex as initial suspects, with an estimated total state loss of Rp 622 billion.