Former President Joko Widodo Named in Hajj Quota Corruption Trial Testimony

During a September 24 hearing, former Director General of Hajj and Umrah Services Hilman Latief told judges that former religious affairs minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas had told him to split an extra 20,000 pilgrim quota 50-50, asserting the directive came directly from President Joko Widodo. Hilman confirmed the president referenced was Jokowi and explained that the original committee had settled on a 92 percent regular, 8 percent special distribution, which the DPR later approved.

He said any change required further DPR discussion, which did not occur before a request was sent to Saudi Arabia. The Corruption Eradication Commission has charged Yaqut, his aide Ishfah Abidal Aziz (alias Alex), PT Raudah Eksati Utama commissioner Asrul Azis Taba, and Makassar Toraja director Ismail Adham. Jokowi responded that while ministerial policies stem from presidential directives, he never ordered corruption.