KPK Apologises for the Uproar Over Changing Yaqut's Status to House Arrest
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has apologised to the public following the uproar over the change in detention status of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house arrest.
KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu conveyed the apology on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
“We certainly, on this Eid day, apologise for the existing uproar,” Asep said at the KPK’s Red and White Building in Jakarta on Thursday (26/3/2026).
Asep stated that the change in detention status had considered various aspects, including societal impacts and case handling strategies.
“It was considered in relation to the issue of impacts and others. It was also considered in relation to the strategy for handling this case itself,” he said.
He emphasised that the step was in accordance with legal procedures, referring to Articles 108(1) to 11 of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) No. 20 of 2025.
“In Law No. 20 of 2025 or the new KUHAP, it is regulated in Article 108, with paragraphs 1 to 11, so that is the legal norm,” he explained.
Asep admitted to being involved in the leadership meeting that decided on the change in Yaqut’s detention status.
He assured that the decision-making process would be reported to the KPK Supervisory Board (Dewas), following public reports.
“So this will be reported to the Dewas. Of course, the Supervisory Board will examine how the decision was made. Just wait,” he said.
Previously, Yaqut was returned to the KPK Detention Centre (Rutan) on Tuesday (24/3/2026) after having house arrest status.
This change is the second time since he was first detained on 12 March 2026 after being named a suspect.
A week later, on 19 March 2026, his status was changed to house arrest at the family’s request, before reverting to detention centre status from 23 March 2026.
In this case, Yaqut is charged in connection with alleged corruption in the 2023–2024 hajj quota, with state losses amounting to Rp 622 billion.
He was named a suspect by the KPK and underwent detention in the rutan before his status changed several times.