Jakarta, ThedailyID — Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas denied allegations that he received US$271,500 (around Rp4.83 billion) in the 2023–2024 additional Hajj quota corruption case.
Speaking after a hearing at Jakarta’s Corruption Court on Tuesday, Yaqut said he did not understand the charges filed by prosecutors from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
“To be honest, I don’t understand the indictment because someone else received the money, yet prosecutors charged me based on assumptions,” Yaqut said.
“I have never received even Rp1,000 from this process,” he added.
Yaqut argued that organizers of special Hajj pilgrimages (PIHK) benefited from the additional quotas. He urged prosecutors to bring those parties before the court.
“They traded the quotas and collected the fees. They should appear in this courtroom,” he said.
Yaqut also rejected claims that his policies caused state losses. He said his ministry focused on protecting Indonesian pilgrims and ensuring they received proper services.
“My duty as minister was to provide guidance, deliver services, and ensure the safety of Hajj pilgrims,” he said.
His lawyer, Dodi S. Abdulkadir, also challenged the indictment. He argued that prosecutors failed to explain how Yaqut allegedly received US$271,500 (around Rp4.83 billion).
“There is no detailed explanation of how the money was obtained, transferred, or delivered,” Dodi said after the hearing.
Dodi also insisted that Yaqut did not receive any money from the additional Hajj quota program in 2024. He questioned why prosecutors have not pursued legal action against other individuals named in the indictment.
Earlier on Tuesday, KPK prosecutors read the indictment and identified several people who allegedly benefited from the additional Hajj quota scheme in 2023 and 2024.
