Former Aide to Indonesia’s Ex-Religious Affairs Minister Detained in Hajj Quota Corruption Case
Jakarta – Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex, the former special staffer to ex-Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, was officially detained by Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in connection with a corruption case involving Hajj quotas.
Gus Alex was seen leaving the KPK building in South Jakarta wearing an orange KPK prisoner vest and handcuffed, accompanied by KPK investigators. He had been undergoing questioning as a suspect in the alleged corruption related to the allocation of Hajj quotas for 2023-2024. He arrived at the KPK building at 8:20 AM local time and was immediately questioned.
Role in the Alleged Corruption
The KPK has revealed that Gus Alex played a significant role in the alleged scheme, assisting Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in distributing additional Hajj quotas that were not in compliance with regulations. According to the KPK, Gus Alex instructed officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs to solicit fees from organizers of special Hajj pilgrimages (PIHK) in exchange for receiving additional Hajj quotas.
These fees were allegedly received by both Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and Gus Alex. The KPK stated that they are still calculating the exact amount of money received by each individual. DetikNews reported on March 12, 2026, that Deputi Penindakan dan Eksekusi KPK Asep Guntur Rahayu stated the KPK is still determining the exact amount.
Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Also Detained
Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was previously detained by the KPK in connection with the same Hajj quota corruption case. Liputan6.com reported on March 17, 2026, that Yaqut was detained on March 12, 2026.
Yaqut has maintained his innocence, claiming he did not receive any money related to the accusations. He stated that all policies implemented during his tenure as Minister of Religious Affairs were solely for the safety of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. He had previously challenged his suspect status in court, but his pretrial lawsuit was rejected on March 11, 2026.
The case originated from an investigation launched by the KPK on August 9, 2025, regarding the manipulation of Hajj quotas. A subsequent audit by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) of Indonesia confirmed financial losses to the state amounting to Rp622 billion (approximately $40.8 million USD as of March 17, 2026). Liputan6.com