Jakarta – Indonesia’s anti-corruption agency, the KPK, has refuted claims made by former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas regarding the rationale behind a 50/50 split of additional Hajj quotas. Qoumas had argued the division – between regular and special quotas – was intended to ensure the safety of pilgrims, but the KPK, working in conjunction with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), found no basis for the assertion after inspecting facilities in Saudi Arabia.
“We went to Saudi Arabia with a team of auditors from the BPK to check the availability of Hajj facilities, and we found that they were highly adequate for the pilgrimage,” KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo told reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday. “we believe the reason given [by Qoumas] is not appropriate.” Prasetyo added that the available facilities meant the 50/50 split was unnecessary.
The additional 20,000 quotas granted by Saudi Arabia were specifically intended to reduce the lengthy waiting lists for regular Hajj pilgrims, Prasetyo explained. He questioned the logic of dividing the additional quotas equally between regular and special access, stating that it was “not in sync” with the original purpose of the allocation. “The granting of the additional quota was to shorten the waiting list for Hajj pilgrims in Indonesia. Many prospective pilgrims have been waiting for decades,” he said.
Prasetyo also indicated that the KPK is investigating potential financial irregularities related to the quota allocation, suggesting funds may have been diverted to the Ministry of Religious Affairs. He urged a comprehensive examination of the case, rather than a fragmented approach.
Qoumas, who is now facing charges in connection with the Hajj quota corruption case, defended his actions on Tuesday, describing the situation as a learning experience for leaders. “This is a lesson for every leader in making policy. Even policies made with humanitarian considerations may be questioned,” he said following a pre-trial hearing in Jakarta. He maintained that leaders should not be afraid to make decisions that benefit society and the nation, asserting that Indonesia was built by courageous leaders.
Qoumas explained that the 50/50 split was based on a principle of safeguarding pilgrims’ lives, citing limitations in available space in Saudi Arabia. He also emphasized that the jurisdiction over Hajj affairs rests with Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia is bound by Saudi regulations, including those related to quota allocation, as outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The KPK has barred Qoumas from leaving the country while the investigation continues, according to reports from The Jakarta Post. A pre-trial motion filed by Qoumas is currently underway, seeking to challenge the KPK’s decision to name him a suspect.