“We hope KPK will continue to guide and support us in ensuring that every step we take remains within legal boundaries,” Irfan said in Jakarta on Friday.
“As mandated by President Prabowo Subianto, all matters related to the Hajj must be managed with full accountability and transparency.”
Following a meeting with KPK officials, Irfan emphasized that the visit marked the beginning of closer coordination between his newly established ministry and the anti-corruption body.
“We’ve shared a range of information with our colleagues at KPK, including our responsibilities in Hajj management and the associated business processes,” he noted.
KPK Secretary-General Cahya Hardianto Harefa welcomed the ministry’s initiative, commending its openness and commitment to corruption prevention.
“We hope that all processes involving our Hajj pilgrims will continue to improve,” Harefa said. “In principle, KPK fully supports preventive efforts and will stand behind the implementation of the Hajj.”
He added that the commission had already conducted research and investigations into Hajj-related activities and would provide mentoring to ministry officials to reinforce anti-corruption safeguards.
“This way, officials will remain aware that Hajj operations are funded by the state and that accepting any form of gratification is strictly prohibited,” Harefa stressed.
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah was formally established in September 2025, following the elevation of the Hajj Organizing Agency (BP Haji) to ministerial status.
Irfan was appointed minister, with Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak as deputy minister, after receiving approval from the House of Representatives.
BP Haji itself was created in November 2024 to gradually assume Hajj responsibilities from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, beginning with the 2026 pilgrimage season.
Minister Irfan has pledged to deliver tangible improvements in Hajj management, positioning the ministry as a model of integrity and professionalism.
“Our ministry must embody a new face—one that is principled, professional, and driven by clear goals,” he affirmed on September 25.
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Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
