Indonesia religious minister charged in Haj graft

After a three-month investigation, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named Religious Affairs Minister and United Development Party (PPP) chairman, Suryadharma Ali a suspect with regard to irregularities in the 2012-2013 Haj pilgrimage program.

KPK officials also said Suryadharma was not the only official implicated in the graft case.

KPK deputy chairman, Busyro Muqoddas confirmed that a number of "Suryadharma's associates", whose identities he declined to reveal, had also been named suspects.

"Yes, we have named Suryadharma and 'other associates’ as suspects in the case," Busyro was quoted, as saying in Jakarta Post on Friday.

Busyro, however, did not provide details of the "other associates" or whether they were staff at the Religious Affairs Ministry or lawmakers at the House of Representatives.

The KPK has summoned individuals from both institutions during its investigation into the case.

Suryadharma is the second active minister to be charged with graft after Democratic Party politician and former Youth and Sports minister, Andi Mallarangeng, who was named a suspect for his role in the Rupiah 2.5 trillion (about RM693 million) Hambalang sports complex case.