Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Attends Pre-trial Hearing, Asserts: I Am Seeking Legal Justice

Jakarta — Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas attended a pre-trial hearing against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the South Jakarta District Court on Monday, 9 March 2026.

“I am a citizen seeking legal justice,” said Yaqut Cholil Qoumas following the hearing.

Today’s hearing proceeded briefly with closing arguments from both parties. The hearing will continue on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 for the reading of the court’s decision.

According to him, the judge conducted the proceedings well, allowing the entire process to run smoothly.

“I must speak frankly that I feel greatly relieved because thus far this pre-trial process has been conducted openly, fairly, and objectively. All parties, both the petitioner and respondent, have received ample time and space equally and generously,” said Yaqut.

He assessed that the proceedings demonstrated the state’s presence in every legal process undertaken by its citizens.

In this pre-trial petition, Yaqut is challenging the validity of his designation as a suspect in the alleged 2024 hajj quota corruption case. He is requesting that the judge annul his status as a suspect in the hajj quota corruption case.