Ex-Ministers Face KPK Over Graft Allegations
Two former Jokowi cabinet members questioned in separate high-profile corruption probes
Two prominent former ministers from President Joko Widodo’s outgoing administration faced questioning at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday, August 7, 2025, amidst mounting scrutiny of past government dealings.
Digitalization Probe Targets Ex-Education Minister
Nadiem Anwar Makarim, who steered the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology from 2019 to 2024, was summoned regarding the procurement of Google Cloud services. These services were integral to the ministry’s digitalization initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The investigation reportedly centers on the management of cloud-based software and data storage systems crucial for the ministry’s shift to online learning. Sources indicate that executives from GoTo Gojek Tokopedia, a company Nadiem co-founded, were also questioned the preceding day. Additionally, Nadiem’s former special staffer, Fiona Handayani, was interviewed late last month as part of the deepening inquiry into alleged procurement irregularities.
Nadiem arrived at the KPK building accompanied by renowned lawyer Hotman Paris Hutapea. He offered a smile to reporters before entering, while Hutapea clarified that legal counsel is not permitted to accompany witnesses during clarification sessions as per the Criminal Procedure Code.
“As per the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), during clarification, legal counsel is not allowed to accompany [the witness]. No comment on the substance for now.”
—Hotman Paris Hutapea, Lawyer
Haj Quota Distribution Under Scrutiny
Shortly after Nadiem’s arrival, former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas appeared before the KPK. He confirmed his presence was to clarify matters surrounding the distribution of additional haj quotas for 2024.
“I’ve been asked to clarify the distribution of haj quotas,” Yaqut stated briefly before entering the commission’s building. He declined to speculate on potential political pressure influencing the case, citing that certain details were classified as investigation material.
Yaqut’s spokesperson, Anna Hasbie, emphasized his cooperation, calling it a reflection of his “good faith and respect for the legal process.” Hasbie acknowledged the complexity of managing haj quotas, noting that the process was conducted according to existing laws and involved extensive procedures.
“Haj quota distribution is quite complicated, and it requires comprehensive clarification. It was carried out according to existing laws and involves a long process.”
—Anna Hasbie, Spokesperson for Yaqut Cholil Qoumas
The inquiry into Yaqut’s tenure appears to focus on the allocation of supplementary pilgrimage slots, with allegations suggesting lobbying from haj associations and travel agencies may have played a role. The KPK previously questioned Director General of Haj and Umrah, Hilman Latief, on Tuesday, as investigators examine whether proper procedures were followed in managing the quota and approving requests from private entities.
According to Transparency International Indonesia, corruption cases involving public procurement in 2023 resulted in an estimated financial loss to the state of over 1.2 trillion Indonesian Rupiah (approximately $75 million USD) (Transparency International Indonesia).
The KPK has not formally named any suspects in either case. However, the simultaneous appearance of two former ministers has amplified public and political discourse on the crucial issues of transparency, oversight, and accountability within Indonesia’s public sector, particularly as the nation transitions into a new presidential administration.
