KPK Apologises for Uproar Over Yaqut's House Arrest Status
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has expressed regret over the decision to change the house arrest status of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) in the 2023-2024 Hajj quota corruption case. The apology was delivered directly by KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu.
“We naturally apologise for the commotion during this Eid period,” Asep stated to reporters at the KPK’s Merah Putih building in South Jakarta, as quoted on Friday (27/3/2026).
Asep also claimed that the public reaction’s impact was considered when designating former Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, or Gus Yaqut, to house arrest. KPK stated that the switch to house arrest was an institutional decision.
“Of course, in that meeting, such matters were discussed,” Asep said.
Asep admitted to participating directly in the meeting that determined the house arrest switch. He mentioned that the decision-making process would be reported to the Supervisory Board (Dewas).
“I attended that meeting; I was one of those present. So, this will be reported to the Dewas. Naturally, the Supervisory Board will review how the decision was made. Just wait and see,” he remarked.
Asep said he has not yet received a summons from the Dewas regarding the report filed by Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) Coordinator Boyamin Saiman. He explained that the considerations for switching Yaqut to house arrest included investigation strategies for handling the case and other impacts.
“Then, as mentioned, considerations regarding impacts and other matters were also taken into account. Additionally, the strategy for handling this case itself was considered,” he stated.
Asep understands the public’s disappointment over the house arrest switch commotion. He views the public’s criticism as a form of support for KPK.
“As my colleagues mentioned, there is disappointment from the public. In fact, that is a form of support for us. We are very grateful to the Indonesian public, meaning that with the information and support provided to us, it proves that today we can accelerate,” Asep said.
“Yesterday, we were able to examine Mr YCQ, and today there is very positive progress that we will announce on Monday. Without public support, this would not have happened, and the case handling might have taken longer,” he added.
Furthermore, Asep emphasised that there was no external interference in Yaqut’s house arrest switch. He stated that the switch was carried out in accordance with applicable procedures and legal norms.
“As I mentioned earlier, we see that the legal norms exist. In the old law, in the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), specifically KUHAP Law No. 8 of 1981, it is regulated in Articles 22 and 23. In Law No. 20 of 2025 or the new KUHAP, it is regulated in Article 108, with paragraphs 1 to 11, so those are the legal norms,” he explained.
It is known that Yaqut’s detention was switched to house arrest since Thursday (19/3). KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo said that Yaqut’s house arrest was implemented after KPK received a request from his family.
Yaqut’s detention was switched back to Salemba Detention Centre on Monday (23/3). KPK has re-detained Yaqut after he underwent a series of health tests.