KPK Denies Yaqut's Detention Transfer Was Conducted Secretly
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has dismissed claims that the process of transferring the detention of former Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ), was conducted in a closed or secretive manner. The anti-corruption agency emphasised that all procedures were carried out in accordance with applicable legal rules.
“So far, there is none. Because it was not done secretly either, as the parties required by law to receive notification have already been notified by us,” said KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, at the KPK’s Red and White Building in South Jakarta, on Thursday (26/3).
Asep explained that notification of Yaqut’s detention transfer had been conveyed to the authorised parties. However, not all parties could obtain the same information, considering the needs of the investigation.
He also stressed that the handling of each case has different characteristics, so they cannot be equated.
“So it depends more on the strategy of each stage. Whether it needs to be done or not, like that,” Asep stated.
Previously, KPK had named Yaqut Cholil Qoumas along with former Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs, Isfan Abidal Aziz (IAA) alias Gus Alex, as suspects in the alleged corruption case related to the organisation and distribution of Hajj quotas.
The agency assured that the legal process will continue until the trial stage.
The case stems from alleged deviations in the distribution of additional Hajj quotas. Indonesia is known to have received an additional 20,000 quotas to accelerate the queue for pilgrims.
According to the provisions, the distribution of those quotas should have been allocated 92 percent for regular Hajj and 8 percent for special Hajj. However, in practice, the distribution was reportedly done evenly, 50 percent each.
In the investigation process, KPK has examined several officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. In addition, Hajj travel service providers were also questioned.