Friday Evening at the KPK: Yaqut Detained in Hajj Quota Case

Jakarta — Friday evening marked a significant legal development in the alleged corruption case involving the hajj quota allocation scheme. Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, former Minister of Religious Affairs, has been detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

The former minister was formally designated a suspect by the KPK on 8 January 2026. Yaqut subsequently rejected the designation and filed a pretrial challenge to contest his suspect status. Two days prior, the pretrial hearing was dismissed, and Yaqut’s status as a suspect was affirmed as valid.

Upon exiting questioning at 18:46 Western Indonesia Time (WIB), Yaqut was wearing a detention vest with his hands shackled as he was escorted to a detention vehicle. He was accompanied by his legal counsel, Melissa Anggraini, and three security officers. When questioned about his detention, Yaqut responded dismissively: “Ask yourself.”

The detention of the former Religious Affairs Minister was accompanied by a significant gathering of supporters from Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser), a mass organisation, at the KPK’s Red and White Building in the Kuningan area of South Jakarta. Upon learning of the detention, Banser supporters erupted in cheers, repeatedly chanting Yaqut’s name: “Yaqut, Yaqut, Yaqut!”

Throughout the process, Yaqut appeared withdrawn as he was escorted by the KPK team. His departure was immediately intercepted by members of the media.