KPK Reveals Reasons for Delay in Returning Yaqut to Detention Centre
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed the reasons why returning the detention status of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) from house arrest to a detention centre (rutan) took time.
KPK’s Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, stated that they needed time to assess Yaqut’s health.
“Why perhaps the process from yesterday wasn’t immediate and had to wait until today, because of course there are procedures that we must go through, namely conducting a health assessment,” Asep said at the KPK building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (24/3).
He mentioned that the health assessment was carried out since Monday afternoon (23/3) at the Central Police Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta.
The Kramat Jati Police Hospital was chosen because it is close to Yaqut’s residence.
Additionally, the availability of equipment and specialist doctors there was also a consideration in selecting that hospital.
On Wednesday (25/3), the KPK plans to question Yaqut again regarding the hajj quota corruption case.
“Tomorrow is already scheduled for questioning the individual. Secondly, tomorrow we also plan to have progress, yes, related to the handling of this hajj quota,” Asep said.
He also revealed that Yaqut suffers from acute GERD and asthma. Due to this condition, the KPK had previously granted Yaqut’s request for house arrest in the alleged hajj quota corruption case.
The KPK has now transferred Yaqut’s detention back to a detention centre.
“(Yaqut) has undergone endoscopy and colonoscopy. I’m not too familiar with those medical terms, so colleagues can check later. (Yaqut) also has asthma,” Asep said.
He stated that returning Yaqut to detention centre custody is to ensure the case handling proceeds smoothly and quickly.
“We extend our utmost thanks to the entire community that has supported our processes and activities in handling this corruption crime,” Asep said.
Yaqut arrived around 10:40 WIB this morning. He did not say much upon arriving at the KPK.
He only mentioned that he was able to pay respects to his mother on Eid al-Fitr when he received house arrest status.
“Alhamdulillah, I was able to pay respects to my mother, to my mum,” he said briefly.