Trisakti Legal Expert Challenges KPK to Expose “Souvenir Money” in Hajj Quota Case
BANDA ACEH - The alleged request for “souvenir money” directed at 24 members of the House Commission VIII Working Committee in the extra hajj quota case for 2023-2024 puts the KPK at a critical juncture. Trisakti University criminal law expert, Fickar Hadjar, stated that the KPK has grounds to investigate if there’s proven solicitation of money and at least two pieces of evidence. “If it’s proven the request was fulfilled, the KPK can step in and investigate it as a corruption offense,” he said on Saturday (5/9/2026).
According to Fickar, this case is a moment for the KPK to show its independence without exception, including towards members of parliament. “This is actually the moment to prove the KPK’s independence. Anyone who meets the minimum two pieces of evidence can be processed criminally,” he noted.
The statement came after former Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs, Ishfah Abidal Aziz (Gus Alex), revealed the alleged money request during a visit to Saudi Arabia in 2024. In court, he mentioned he initially thought “oleh-oleh” meant souvenirs, but it turned out to refer to money. The alleged request reached 3,000 riyal per member, though he only gave 1,500 riyal from his personal honorarium. This testimony was backed up by former Hajj Fund Management Director, Jaja Jaelani, who confirmed Gus Alex’s story about the money request from parliament members.
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