KPK Responds to Criticism After Yaqut Spends Eid at Home
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The KPK is aware of the numerous criticisms following its temporary placement of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) under house arrest. Yaqut was granted permission for house arrest despite his status as a suspect in the Hajj quota case.
“We would like to express our utmost gratitude for the support from the public in our handling of the Hajj quota case processes,” said KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, to reporters on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
The KPK assured that Yaqut has returned to the KPK Detention Centre on 24 March.
The KPK stated that the decision to return Yaqut to the detention centre was made on 23 March. However, Yaqut did not immediately return to the detention centre because he underwent a health test.
“On yesterday, 23 March, Monday, based on the institution’s decision, we have transferred the detention of Mr YCQ back to the state detention centre at K4 in the KPK building. Why perhaps the process from yesterday was not immediate (to the detention centre), it had to wait until today,” he said.
According to Asep Guntur, there is a procedure that must be followed, namely conducting a health assessment. The health assessment was carried out since yesterday afternoon at the Central Police Hospital in Kramat Jati.
“Why was Kramat Jati chosen? Of course, first because it is close to Mr YCQ’s residence and also the availability of equipment and expert doctors there,” said Asep.
Asep did not forget to thank the entire public who supported the KPK in handling the Hajj quota case. Asep also apologised at this Eid moment.
“And at the same time, this is still in the Eid atmosphere, on behalf of the KPK institution, we convey Minal Aidin Wal Faizin, please forgive us for any physical and spiritual shortcomings,” said Asep.
In this case, the KPK had previously named Yaqut as a suspect along with former Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs Isfan Abidal Aziz (IAA) alias Gus Alex.