KPK Reveals Reasons for Gus Yaqut's Return to Detention
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has officially revoked the house arrest status and returned former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, or Gus Yaqut, to the KPK Detention Centre (Rutan) on Monday (23/3/2026). This step ends the house arrest period that had sparked controversy in society.
KPK’s Director of Prosecution and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, explained why the transfer of Gus Yaqut took time and was only carried out today, Tuesday (23/3/2026).
“The process did not happen immediately from yesterday because there are procedures we must follow, namely a health assessment. The assessment was conducted since yesterday afternoon at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital due to considerations of location proximity and medical equipment completeness,” Asep stated at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in Jakarta on Tuesday (24/3/2026).
Furthermore, Asep revealed the reasons behind reverting Gus Yaqut’s detention status. In addition to facilitating coordination, investigators have scheduled important activities related to the alleged Hajj quota corruption case for tomorrow.
“First, because tomorrow (Wednesday) there is already a scheduled request for information from the individual. Second, tomorrow we plan to have progress regarding the handling of this Hajj quota,” Asep explained.
Although reluctant to detail the progress mentioned, Asep hinted at a significant announcement in a press conference scheduled for tomorrow. “Just wait for the progress tomorrow, and of course, we will hold another press conference,” he added.
It is known that Gus Yaqut is a suspect in the alleged Hajj quota corruption case for 2023 and 2024. The Hajj quotas were allegedly arranged in a certain way with fees as compensation.
The practice of demanding fee payments was carried out to Special Hajj Organisers (PIHK), or Hajj travel agencies. These costs were then passed on by the PIHK to prospective special Hajj pilgrims in the package prices.
Gus Yaqut was named a suspect along with his former special staff member, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, alias Gus Alex. Both are suspected of playing major roles in arranging those Hajj quotas.
Gus Yaqut and Gus Alex are suspected of violating the Corruption Eradication Law (UU Tipikor) related to state losses. According to the KPK, the state losses in this case amount to Rp622 billion.
The KPK emphasises that Yaqut Cholil Qoumas is now detained in the Rutan to accelerate the Hajj quota investigation and ensure legal certainty.