KPK Processes Yaqut's Return to Detention Centre

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is currently processing the transfer of the former Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas from house detention to detention at the rutan (detention centre).

“Today, Monday, 23 March 2026, the KPK is carrying out the process of changing the type of detention for Suspect Mr. YCQ in the case of alleged criminal corruption in the Hajj quota, from house detention back to KPK detention centre,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in his statement on Monday (23/3/2026) evening.

“At present, a health examination by the doctor is still ongoing at Bhayangkara Hospital TK. I.R. Said Sukanto, East Jakarta,” Budi continued.

On Thursday (19/3/2026), the KPK had transferred Yaqut Cholil Qoumas’s detention status from the detention centre to house detention.

“Investigators carried out the change of detention type for suspect Mr. YCQ, from detention at the KPK detention centre to house detention, starting from Thursday (19/3/2026) evening,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in his statement on Saturday (21/3/2026).

“The request was then reviewed and granted with considerations in accordance with Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law No. 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code,” Budi added.

Budi stated that this detention transfer was only temporary.

It is known that Yaqut was only imprisoned for approximately 7 days, or one week, after being officially detained by the KPK since Thursday (12/3/2026) evening.

In this case, Yaqut carried out several conditionings to regulate the 2023-2024 Hajj quota, from changing regulations to technical implementation.

Yaqut first relaxed the special Hajj quota rules by instructing the Director General of Hajj and Umrah Organisers (PHU), Hilman Latief.

The new rules were designed to divide the additional Hajj quota with a proportion of 50 percent for regular Hajj and 50 percent for special Hajj.

In 2023, each pilgrim could depart directly through the additional special Hajj quota if they paid an acceleration fee of 5,000 US dollars or approximately Rp 84.4 million.

The same pattern occurred in 2024, with the fee charged reaching 2,400 US dollars or approximately Rp 42.2 million.

For his actions, Yaqut is charged under Article 2 paragraph (1) or Article 3 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption.