Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Attends Pretrial Hearing Against KPK: Ready and Praying Constantly
Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, commonly known as Gus Yaqut, attended the first pretrial hearing challenging his suspect designation by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in connection with the 2024 hajj quota corruption case. Gus Yaqut said he was ready to participate in the proceedings and had been praying continuously.
Yaqut arrived at the venue at 10:00 Western Indonesian Time, accompanied by his legal counsel, Mellisa Anggraini.
Supporters of Gus Yaqut were also present at the location, dressed entirely in black. Among them was Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) chairman Ulil Abshar Abdallah, known as Gus Ulil, wearing a kopiah and a blue jacket.
“All is well, praise be to God,” Yaqut said at the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (24 February 2026).
He noted that he had held prayers with close associates, adding that prayers were offered at all times.
“Ready for the first pretrial hearing. Oh yes, we pray constantly,” he said.
The first hearing was held at the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (24 February 2026), scheduled to commence at 10:00 Western Indonesian Time.
The applicant in the lawsuit, registered under case number 19/Pid.Pra/2026/PN JKT.SEL, is Yaqut, whilst the respondent is the KPK, specifically the KPK leadership.
“Present — the full team is here,” said Yaqut’s lawyer, Mellisa Anggraini, to reporters on Tuesday (24 February 2026).
Previously, Gus Yaqut had mounted a legal challenge against his suspect designation in the alleged 2024 hajj quota corruption case. The KPK indicated it was prepared to face Yaqut’s challenge.
Yaqut filed the pretrial motion on Tuesday (10 February) at the South Jakarta District Court, questioning the validity of his suspect designation. The lawsuit was registered under case number 19/Pid.Pra/2026/PN JKT.SEL.
The KPK expressed no objection to Yaqut filing the pretrial challenge, stating that it was the suspect’s legal right.
“The KPK respects the legal rights of suspect YCQ, who has filed a pretrial motion in the alleged corruption case related to the hajj quota for the administration of Indonesian hajj pilgrimages for 2023–2024,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo.