KPK Provides Close Security During Yaqut's Hospital Stay
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prisoner guards (Waltah) are providing close security for the former Minister of Religious Affairs for the 2019-2024 period, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, who is currently hospitalised at the Polri Kramat Jati Hospital.
“During this period of detention suspension, KPK prisoner guards are also providing close security,” stated KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo when confirmed via written message on Sunday (28/6).
Budi explained that this measure is essential to ensure the security of Yaqut, who holds detainee status, while his detention is suspended for medical reasons. Additionally, Budi added that investigators are continuously monitoring the medical progress of the suspect, who is implicated in an alleged corruption case related to the 202ss-2024 additional Hajj quotas.
“The KPK hopes that the necessary medical treatments can be carried out promptly so that the individual can recover and return to the legal process,” said Budi. He further noted that KPK investigators and prosecutors are scheduled to proceed to stage two shortly, which involves the transfer of the suspect, evidence, and case files to the prosecution stage.
The KPK announced the suspension of Yaqut’s detention on Wednesday (24/6) evening. Budi explained that the suspension was based on medical examinations that required Yaqut to be hospitalised at Polri Kramat Jati Hospital. “Based on medical information, the individual is suffering from a digestive tract ailment,” Budi stated.
The KPK has a time limit of 90 to 120 days from the start of detention to transfer case files and suspects to the court. In the additional Hajj quota case, the detention for Yaqut and his Special Staff, Ishfah Abidal Aziz (alias Gus Alex), has already been extended for 30 days as of early June.
The KPK is accelerating the handling of this case. The plan is to transfer the cases of Yaqut and Ishfah alongside two other suspects detained on 8 June: the Operational Director of Maktour, Ismail Adham, and the Chairman of the Kesthuri Association and Commissioner of PT Raudah Eksati Utama, Asrul Azis Taba.
During the investigation, the KPK has identified over 300 travel agencies involved in the additional Hajj quota. Some agencies have reportedly been hesitant to provide information regarding the alleged practice of buying and selling additional Hajj quotas.
The KPK is applying Article 2 paragraph (1) and/or Article 3 of the Law on the Eradication of Corruption Crimes in conjunction with Article 55 paragraph (1) 1st of the Criminal Code, relating to state financial losses. According to calculations by the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia (BPK), the alleged corruption case regarding the 2023-2024 additional Hajj quota is estimated to have caused state losses amounting to Rp622 billion.