KPK on Reason for Yaqut's House Arrest: Not Due to Illness

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has assured that the transfer of detention for former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house arrest is not due to his health condition.

“It is not because of illness,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo, as quoted from detik.com on Sunday (21/3).

Budi explained that the house arrest for Yaqut was implemented after KPK received a request from the family. The request was granted. The request was then reviewed and approved based on considerations in accordance with Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law Number 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code.

“So indeed, it was due to a request from the family, and then we processed it,” he said.

On the other hand, KPK also did not explain allegations of differential treatment received by Yaqut compared to other KPK detainees, such as former Papua Governor Lukas Enembe, whose detention was once postponed due to health reasons. Budi only stated that each investigation has different case handling strategies.

“Why different from LE? Every investigation process naturally has different conditions and case handling strategies, including in the detention of a suspect,” said Budi.

Previously, KPK transferred the detention of the suspect in the 2023-2024 Hajj quota corruption case, Yaqut, to house arrest. The change in status for the former religious affairs minister was carried out since Thursday (18/3).

“It is true, the investigators carried out a change in the type of detention for the suspect Brother YCQ, from detention in the KPK Detention Centre to house arrest, since Thursday (18/3) night,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo on Saturday (21/3).

Budi revealed that the change in detention status was based on the suspect’s family request on 17 March. Budi assured that the status change was in accordance with procedures.

“We assure that the process of changing detention for this temporary period is in accordance with the provisions and procedures of investigation and detention of a suspect,” he said.

Budi also emphasised that KPK will continue to monitor Yaqut during his house arrest status.

“During the implementation of this detention change, KPK continues to carry out close supervision and security for the person concerned,” said Budi.