The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) continues to uncover new evidence in its  ongoing investigation into corruption involving Indonesia’s Haj quota system, revealing fraudulent practices behind what should have been a transparent and fair allocation process.

The latest findings show that special Haj quotas intended for officials such as medical staff, supervisors, and pilgrimage assistants were illicitly sold to regular pilgrims, according to KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo, following the questioning of M. Iqbal Muhajir, Secretary General of the Association of Haj and Umrah Organizers (Asphurindo), on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

“Investigators have found indications that Haj quotas meant for service personnel − such as guides, health officers, and administrators − were being sold to regular pilgrims. This clearly violates the rules,” Budi told reporters on Tuesday.

Muhajir emphasized that the misuse of these quotas not only breaches regulations but also compromises pilgrim services, as it reduces the number of essential medical and supervisory personnel assisting Indonesian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the modus operandi varied among Haj travel organizers (PIHKs) − some complied with regulations, while others sold or traded quotas through intermediaries.

“Each bureau operates differently. Some sell quotas directly, others through associations or intermediaries. Investigators are examining these variations closely,” Budi said.

These findings are linked to the broader corruption case involving the distribution of 20,000 additional Haj quotas in 2023–2024 by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The additional quotas were split evenly between regular and special Haj pilgrims − a decision now under investigation.

“This still relates to the discretionary allocation of additional quotas from the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The downstream effects of that decision are now being investigated,” Budi said.

The KPK confirmed that nearly Rp100 billion (US$6 million) has been confiscated from various special Haj organizers and associations involved in the scandal.

“Some funds were taken as ‘expedited fees’ or informal payments to officials within the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The money came from Haj travel agencies and associations,” Budi cited.

Quota purchase

Investigators also revealed that some travel agencies without official Haj permits purchased quotas from registered agencies, while others used associations as intermediaries to secure more slots.

“We found agencies that had no permit but still organized Haj trips by purchasing quotas from other registered agencies. We’re now tracing these practices, including in the regions,” he said.

The KPK believes the money circulating in the scheme originated from pilgrims’ payments, some of which were funneled to ministry officials through complex channels involving associations and brokers.

“We’re tracking how these funds flowed − through associations, individuals, or directly to ministry officials. This will help ensure not only criminal accountability, but also the recovery of state losses,” Budi said.

A matter of time

KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto said that the announcement of suspects in the Haj quota corruption case is only a matter of time.

“It’s only a matter of timing,” Setyo told reporters at the Ministry of Law headquarters, Jakarta, on Monday, October 6, 2025.

Setyo confirmed that several witnesses are still being questioned and that the KPK is coordinating with the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) to finalize the calculation of state losses.

“The process is ongoing. We are pursuing asset recovery as much as possible, both movable and immovable,” he said.

The KPK officially announced its investigation into the 2023–2024 Haj quota corruption case on August 9, 2025, after questioning former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas two days earlier. The preliminary loss estimate exceeds Rp1 trillion, with travel bans imposed on three individuals, including Yaqut.

As of September 18, 2025, investigators suspect the involvement of 13 associations and over 400 Haj travel agencies.

In parallel, the House of Representatives’ Haj Inquiry Committee (Pansus Angket Haji) has also reported multiple irregularities, particularly concerning the 50-50 quota split from the additional 20,000 slots granted by Saudi Arabia − a division that violates Law No. 8/2019, which stipulates that 92 percent of Haj quotas must go to regular pilgrims and only 8 percent to special Haj programs.