Clarification from Ustadz Khalid Basalamah Regarding the Hajj Quota Corruption Controversy

Source: YouTube @kasisolusi

Jejaknesia.com – The issue of Hajj quota corruption has surfaced and shaken the Indonesian public. One of the names caught in the swirl of news is Ustadz Khalid Basalamah. The media highlighted his involvement when he was summoned by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Many people wondered, is it true that this well-known preacher was involved in the dirty practice of buying and selling Hajj quotas? Or was he actually a victim of the system and individuals operating behind the scenes?

This article narratively discusses the clarification made by Ustadz Khalid Basalamah based on an exclusive interview on the YouTube channel @kasisolusi, and also uncovers the controversy surrounding the management of the Hajj quota in Indonesia.

Chronology of Summons and Clarification

1. Summons by the KPK

Ustadz Khalid Basalamah emphasized that his presence at the KPK was purely as a witness, not a suspect. He even asked the investigator directly: "Excuse me, am I a suspect or what?", and was told that his status was witness. This is an important clarification because many media outlets tried to shape the narrative as if he were directly involved in the corruption case.

2. Allegations of Absence and Clarification

One of the widely circulated issues was the accusation that he ignored the KPK summons. In fact, the examination schedule coincided with his pre-scheduled preaching agenda. He later requested a postponement, which was approved by the KPK. This means that there was no refusal or negligence as some media claimed.

3. Status as a Victim

In his clarification, Ustadz Khalid described himself as a victim. Why? Because in practice, the travel agency he led—Uhud Tour—had already paid for visa fees and maktab facilities according to the offer from a third party (PT Muhibbah). However, later, the KPK explained that the Hajj quota visas were supposed to be free. As a result, the money that had been paid was returned without an official receipt, raising suspicions of a “cover-up” by certain parties.

The Hajj Quota Controversy in Indonesia

1. The 92% and 8% Regulation

According to the regulations, Indonesia’s Hajj quota is divided into 92% for regular pilgrims and 8% for special Hajj pilgrims. However, reports emerged that an internal decision split the additional quota into a 50:50 ratio. This sparked public questions: was this additional quota managed transparently?

2. Differences Between Furoda and Special Hajj

Ustadz Khalid explained the difference between Furoda visas and special Hajj. A Furoda visa comes from personal invitations from Arab princes, while the special Hajj is part of the official government quota. The case that ensnared many travel agencies stemmed from offers of extra quotas promised to include VIP maktab facilities, which were not in accordance with the rules.

3. Alleged Visa Trading

In practice, pilgrims were asked to pay up to USD 4,500 per visa. However, according to the KPK, the additional quota visas were not allowed to be traded. This was the root cause that eventually dragged big names, including Ustadz Khalid, even though he was actually in a disadvantaged position.

4. Brief Chronology of the Hajj Quota Case

This case reveals how complex the management of Hajj quotas in Indonesia is. From a regulatory standpoint, the rules are clear, but the practices in the field often deviate. Ustadz Khalid Basalamah’s case illustrates how even a respected religious figure can become a victim of a non-transparent system.

In my opinion, there are three key points to note:

• Need for transparency: The Hajj quota is a right of the ummah, not a business commodity.
• Pilgrim protection: Thousands of pilgrims could fall victim if travel agencies act dishonestly or if there are manipulative individuals involved.
• The role of religious figures: Open clarifications like those made by Ustadz Khalid are essential to dispel slander and educate the public.

The alleged Hajj quota corruption case serves as a reminder that even sacred worship can be tainted by worldly interests. However, Ustadz Khalid Basalamah’s cooperative attitude—appearing before the KPK, submitting evidence, and returning the funds—sets an important example. As a society, we must urge the government, institutions, and Hajj travel agencies to be more transparent, accountable, and focused on serving the pilgrims rather than seeking profit.

May Allah guide this nation to uphold integrity in managing the Hajj pilgrimage, for the benefit of the ummah and the honor of the religion.

References

• detik.com
• kompas.com
• YouTube video transcript: @kasisolusi - Exclusive Clarification of Ustadz Khalid Basalamah, 2025