From Detention to Home, Then Back Again: The Controversy Over Yaqut's Detention Remains Unresolved

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was returned to detention at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Detention Centre on Tuesday (24/3/2026), after previously holding house arrest status. Based on observations by Kompas.com, Yaqut arrived at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building at 10.33 WIB. He was seen being escorted wearing a detainee vest, but unlike other detainees. The investigators did not handcuff the suspect in the alleged hajj quota corruption case. He only stated that the request to change the status came from his side. “Our request,” said Yaqut, as he was escorted into the KPK’s Merah Putih Building on Tuesday (24/3/2026). Yaqut did not explain in detail the process of changing the status. Nevertheless, he claimed to be grateful for having the opportunity to pay respects to his mother while under house arrest status. “Yes, alhamdulillah, I could pay respects to my mother. Alhamdulillah,” Yaqut added.