KPK Leadership Reported to KPK Supervisory Board over Yaqut's House Arrest Controversy
The Central Leadership Council (DPP) of the Indonesian Brotherhood of Advocates has reported five KPK leaders to the KPK Supervisory Board over alleged violations of the code of ethics related to the controversy surrounding the house arrest of Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, the suspect in the alleged hajj quota corruption case and former Minister of Religious Affairs, on Friday (27/3).
Aziz Yanuar, representing the DPP of the Indonesian Brotherhood of Advocates, stated that there are suspicions of code of ethics violations concerning values of justice, professionalism, transparency, and governance ethics in the change of Yaqut’s detention type.
Aziz, who is currently the lawyer for the defendant in the alleged extortion and gratification receipt case and former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer, also showed the receipt stamp for the ethics complaint given by the KPK Supervisory Board.
“What we are reporting includes the KPK Chairman, then the KPK Vice Chairmen. There are four Vice Chairmen. Then there is the Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, the Deputy for Coordination and Supervision, the Director of Investigation, the Director of Prosecution, and the Spokesperson,” said Aziz at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building, Jakarta, on Friday (27/3).
He revealed that several values were violated by the reported parties behind the change in Yaqut’s detention type. These include values of justice, professionalism, and transparency.
“Why? Because what we need to underline is that, to our knowledge, this is rare, very rare, there is one anomaly, one extraordinary crime receiving privilege,” he added.
Aziz understands that the change in detention type for suspects in corruption cases is regulated by the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and other applicable laws. However, he finds it odd because corruption falls into the category of extraordinary crime.
“Is it true that all (corruption suspects) can (apply) later? If yes, then all KPK detainees want to apply,” he added.
He also does not accept the KPK’s reason for changing Yaqut’s detention to house arrest based solely on a request from the family.
“The reason turned out to be a request or application from the family side, not an objective reason. For example, a health reason that requires it based on valid medical records. That becomes our basis (for making the report),” he said.
Aziz stated that the report submitted by his side is the third one. Previously, he said, there were reports from Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) and the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI).
From the several reports, to date, there has been no official statement from the KPK Supervisory Board. Only the KPK has spoken out or responded.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the change in Yaqut’s detention status from state detention centre (Rutan) to house arrest has followed procedures and applicable legal provisions.
“The KPK assures that all processes and steps taken have been carried out in accordance with the mechanisms, procedures, and applicable legal provisions,” said Budi when confirmed via written message on Wednesday (25/3).
Budi once explained that the change in detention status followed up on Yaqut’s family’s request. Considering Article 108 paragraphs 1 and 11 of Law No. 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK granted it.
During the implementation of the detention change, the KPK conducted close supervision and security towards Yaqut.
Budi added that the KPK respects the ethics complaints submitted by MAKI as it is a form of public participation to maintain the accountability and integrity of the anti-corruption institution.
“We believe the Supervisory Board will follow up on those reports objectively, professionally, and independently,” said Budi.
Meanwhile, KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu welcomed the reporting, as he views it as a form of public support and concern for the KPK in handling the hajj quota corruption case.
“We certainly welcome and thank the Indonesian public as much as possible, especially in this case from MAKI, because it is a form of support and concern for us in handling this hajj quota case,” said Asep at his office in Jakarta on Thursday (26/3).
Yaqut is now back in detention at the KPK Detention Centre. The anti-corruption agency through Asep Guntur has also conveyed an apology to the public over the commotion that arose.