Ex-Religion Minister Yaqut's Legal Team Verifies Summons Allegedly Issued During Pre-Trial Proceedings

JAKARTA — The legal counsel of former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Melissa Anggraini, stated that her team is still verifying a summons from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) against her client regarding allegations of corruption in the 2023-2024 pilgrimage quota scheme.

Melissa felt the need to re-examine the summons because it was allegedly sent whilst pre-trial proceedings initiated by Yaqut were still ongoing.

“We were verifying the KPK summons. Because yesterday at the ruling, Mr Asep stated that he would only then schedule the interrogation,” Melissa said when contacted by reporters on Thursday (12 March 2026).

“Therefore, we are also questioning the summons dated 6 March 2026 given that the pre-trial proceedings were still ongoing. We have already coordinated with the KPK as well,” she added.

The Corruption Eradication Commission has scheduled the interrogation of former Religion Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas regarding allegations of corruption in the pilgrimage quota for the 2023-2024 period on Thursday (12 March 2026).

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that on this occasion, Yaqut would be questioned for the first time as a suspect.

“The interrogation of YCQ will be conducted in his status as a suspect,” he said.

Budi stated that the interrogation would take place at the KPK’s Red and White Building.

“We believe that the person concerned will cooperate and will respond to this summons,” he said.