KPK Provides Close Security During Yaqut's Hospital Stay

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is providing close security for former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who is currently hospitalised at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that prisoner guards are ensuring Yaqut’s safety during this period of suspended detention. Budi explained this measure is essential to guarantee the security of Yaqut, who remains a detainee. Investigators are also continuously monitoring the medical progress of the suspect in the alleged corruption case related to additional hajj quotas for 2023-2024. The KPK hopes the necessary medical procedures can be carried out promptly so he can recover and resume the legal process. Budi noted that KPK investigators and public prosecutors are scheduling the second phase of the process, which involves transferring the suspect, evidence, and case files to the prosecution stage. The KPK announced the suspension of Yaqut’s detention on Wednesday evening, based on a medical examination that required him to be hospitalised. According to medical information, he is suffering from a digestive tract illness. The KPK has a time limit of 90 to 120 days from the point of detention to transfer case files and the suspect to court. In the additional hajj quota case, the detention of Yaqut and his Special Staff member, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, was extended by 30 days in early June. The KPK is accelerating the handling of this case. The transfer of Yaqut and Ishfah’s cases is planned to be combined with that of two other suspects detained on 8 June: Maktour Operations Director Ismail Adham and Kesthuri Association Chairman Asrul Azis Taba. During the investigation, the KPK has identified over 300 travel agencies involved in the additional hajj quota scheme, with some agencies hesitant to provide information regarding the buying and selling of these quotas. The KPK is applying Article 2 paragraph (1) and/or Article 3 of the Corruption Eradication Law in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) of the Criminal Code. Based on calculations by the Supreme Audit Agency’s auditor team, the alleged corruption in the 2023-2024 additional hajj quota case is estimated to have caused state losses amounting to IDR 622 billion.