Banser Warns KPK: Our Blood Will Boil If Yaqut Is Criminalised

A member of Banser (Barisan Ansor Serbaguna), the semi-autonomous paramilitary wing of the Youth Movement Ansor, declared that seven million cadres would mobilise if former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas were criminalised through a suspected corruption case involving additional hajj quotas.

The statement was made as Banser descended upon KPK headquarters on Thursday 12 March afternoon, where Yaqut was undergoing examination as a suspect. Yaqut serves as an advisor to Banser.

“Seven million cadres are ready to mobilise if Gus Yaqut is criminalised by tyrannical elites,” said a Banser member from a command vehicle in the grounds of the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Thursday 12 March afternoon.

They demanded that Yaqut be released after today’s examination. They believe Yaqut did not gain even a single rupiah from the additional hajj quota that Indonesia obtained for the 2024 pilgrimage season.

“If Gus Yaqut is criminalised, our blood will boil!” he exclaimed.

They began arriving at the Red and White Building at approximately 16:39 WIB. They arrived in a convoy of motorcycles, cars, and more than five buses heading towards the KPK office.

“We are here only to demand justice. Today we show that Ansor Banser has a spirit of solidarity!” cried another orator from the command vehicle.

In their action, they also removed iron wiring that had been deliberately installed. They also reminded police officers not to obstruct the action.

“We have never caused trouble, but if anyone stands in our way, we will be forced to remove them. We work together with the authorities,” he insisted.

At the time of writing, few police officers were stationed at the location.