Fatal Mistake by KPK in Granting House Arrest Privilege to Yaqut, Says Observer

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The IM57+ Institute has criticised former Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ), who received a ‘privilege’ of becoming a house detainee after leaving KPK detention. Yet Yaqut is a suspect in the corruption case concerning Hajj quotas during his leadership of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag). The IM57+ Institute views this action as not constituting ordinary legal proceedings under the Criminal Procedure Code. This is considering that this privilege was granted only to Yaqut. ‘In KPK’s history, there has never been such special treatment for an individual, especially without specific reasons such as the need for special medical treatment, which would even require hospitalisation,’ said Chairman of the IM57+ Institute Lakso Anindito to Republika on Monday (23/3/2026). The IM57+ Institute emphasised that KPK’s action harms the principle of equality before the law by providing special treatment to Yaqut. Moreover, Yaqut’s status as a suspect has actually strengthened following KPK’s win in the pre-trial. ‘The status of KPK detention is important to ensure no intervention in handling this case. Through the change in status, the potential for intervention will increase significantly,’ Lakso stated.