JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has kicked off a preliminary investigation into allegations of managerial irregularities of the haj pilgrimage fund under the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
KPK also opens the possibility to summon Minister of Religious Affairs Suryadharma Ali for questioning.
KPK Spokesperson Johan Budi Sapto Prabowo said KPK has yet to schedule the questioning on Suryadharma Ali, who is also Chairman of the United Development Party (PPP).
According to Johan, KPK has summoned and questioned two lawmakers in the KPK’s preliminary investigation into the case. They are Jazuli Juwaini, lawmaker from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), and Hasrul Azwar, lawmaker from PPP.
Johan revealed that KPK has conducted a study over the management of the haj pilgrimage fund since last year and have found the potential fund mismanagement.
Last year, the alleged irregularities in haj pilgrimage fund management had been disclosed by the Anti-Money Laundering Agency PPATK. Based on audit report, PPATK found mismanagement of Rp80 trillion haj pilgrimage fund for 2004-2012 period.
PPATK Chairman Muhammad Yusuf also questioned about poor haj facilities provided by the Government which is not worth compared to the haj pilgrimage cost paid by each Indonesian pilgrim.
In 2012, each of the total 200,000 Indonesian pilgrims paid Rp33.3 million (US$3,617). Malaysian pilgrims only paid Rp29.9 million (US$3,094) but they received better services and facilities from the government.
Commenting to those alleged irregularities, Suryadharma Ali lets the public to prove the allegations and is ready to resign if later the irregularities is proven. (haryantos@yosefardi.biz)