KPK suspends detention of Yaqut Cholil Qoumas due to illness

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has suspended the detention of Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ), a suspect in the alleged hajj quota corruption case, due to illness. “Today, Wednesday (24/6), investigators carried out a suspension of detention for suspect YCQ. The suspension was made based on a medical examination which required the suspect to undergo inpatient treatment at the Polri Kramat Jati Hospital, Jakarta,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday. Budi further stated that according to medical information received by the KPK, the former Minister of Religious Affairs is suffering from a digestive tract illness. “Investigators will continue to monitor his health condition while ensuring the investigation process proceeds as it should,” he confirmed. The KPK announced the commencement of an investigation into the alleged corruption case concerning the Indonesian hajj quota for 2023-2024 on 9 August 2025. On 9 January 2026, the KPK named former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and his special staff member, Ishfah Abidal Aziz alias Gus Alex, as suspects. Meanwhile, Fuad Hasan Masyhur was not named a suspect in the case, despite previously being subject to a travel ban. Subsequently, the KPK detained Yaqut on 12 March 2026 at the KPK’s Red and White Building Detention Centre Branch, while Ishfah was detained on 17 March 2026. Yaqut’s detention status was temporarily changed to house arrest on 19 March 2026 at his family’s request, but he was returned to the KPK detention centre on 24 March 2026. On 30 March 2026, the KPK named two additional suspects, namely Maktour Operational Director Ismail Adham and former Chairman of the Indonesian Hajj and Umrah Tour and Travel Association (Kesthuri) Asrul Aziz Taba. Both were subsequently detained on 8 June 2026.