Gus Ipul's Response When Acknowledging Greeting from Former Minister Yaqut: Thank You

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia’s Social Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf, alias Gus Ipul, responded to a message conveyed by former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, alias Gus Yaqut, after his meeting with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) leadership at the Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Friday (8/5/2026).

Gus Ipul initially did not realise that Yaqut was also at the KPK building.

He then expressed his thanks.

“Oh, is he there? Thank you, thank you for passing it on,” said Gus Ipul, while clasping his hands to several journalists on Friday.

Earlier, former Religious Affairs Minister (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas delivered a brief message after being examined by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) at the Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Friday (8/5/2026).

As he entered the KPK’s detention vehicle, Yaqut briefly directed a message to Social Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf, alias Gus Ipul, who was also at the KPK building.

“Assalamualaikum, please give my regards to Gus Ipul,” said Yaqut.

Yaqut chose to be brief in his responses when media crews posed several questions related to the alleged Hajj quota corruption case.

Separately, KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that Yaqut’s presence at the KPK building today was for the extension of his detention period.

“The extension is necessary because the investigation is still ongoing; investigators continue to examine several witnesses,” said Budi via a short message to journalists on Friday.