Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Officially Detained by KPK; Total Declared Wealth Amounts to Rp13.7 Billion

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) officially detained former Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas on Friday, 12 March. The detention followed Yaqut’s initial examination as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the management and distribution of hajj quotas in 2024.

At the Red and White KPK Building, Yaqut was observed leaving whilst wearing an orange detention vest bearing the KPK emblem, with his hands shackled. As officers escorted him to the detention vehicle, Gus Yaqut, as he is commonly known, briefly addressed the media.

“I comply with the legal process. However, I firmly state that I have never received a single rupiah in funds from the hajj quota matter,” Yaqut said before entering the detention vehicle.

The KPK suspects the existence of abuse of authority in the distribution of additional hajj quotas that did not conform to regulations, thereby harming prospective pilgrims and state finances. Yaqut is suspected of involvement in decision-making that benefited particular parties in the allocation of such quotas.

This detention represents the culmination of an extensive investigation conducted by the KPK since late 2025. Investigators claim to have secured sufficient preliminary evidence, including quota distribution documents and testimonies from key witnesses within the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

Following the designation of his suspect status, the public has again scrutinised Yaqut’s State Wealth Report of State Officials (LHKPN). According to his final report dated 20 January 2025, marking the end of his term in office, Yaqut declared total net assets of Rp13,749,729,733 (Rp13.7 billion).

This amount represents a considerable increase when compared to earlier years of his tenure. The following summarises the assets Yaqut reported:

The most striking assets in the report are the ownership of a 2024 Toyota Alphard valued at Rp1.95 billion and a house in Jakarta East worth Rp4.5 billion. The KPK is currently investigating whether there are other undisclosed assets or assets derived from the corruption offences under investigation.

Yaqut Cholil Qoumas will undergo his initial 20-day detention period at the KPK’s Branch Detention Facility (Rutan) for purposes of further investigation.