KPK Changes Detention of Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut to House Arrest

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has changed the detention of former Minister of Religious Affairs and suspect in the 2023-2024 Hajj quota corruption case, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ), to house arrest. The switch was implemented starting from last Thursday. “It is true that investigators have changed the type of detention for suspect Mr YCQ from detention at the KPK Detention Centre to house arrest, starting from Thursday night (19/3),” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to reporters on Saturday (21/3/2026). Budi explained that the request for the change was submitted by Yaqut’s family. The detention switch is temporary. “This change is based on a request from the family on 17 March 2026. Following the request, it was reviewed and approved considering Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law Number 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code,” he stated. The KPK stated that supervision of Yaqut will continue during his house arrest. Budi assured that the detention change process complies with regulations and procedures. “During the implementation of this detention change, the KPK will continue to carry out close supervision and security for the suspect,” he said. “We assure that this temporary detention change process complies with the regulations and procedures for investigation and detention of a suspect,” he added. Yaqut was designated as a suspect in early January 2026. Yaqut had challenged his suspect status from the KPK to the court. However, Yaqut’s pre-trial lawsuit was rejected by the judge. The KPK then detained Yaqut on Thursday (12/3). Subsequently, the KPK detained another suspect in this case, former special staff to Yaqut, Ashfah Abidal Aziz (IAA) alias Gus Alex. The detention took place on Tuesday (17/3).