KPK: Transfer of Yaqut Cholil Qoumas's Detention is a Collective Decision, Not Intervention
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has refuted reports of external interference regarding the transfer of detention for former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) to his home. The anti-corruption agency emphasised that the decision was the result of a meeting and briefing by its leadership.
“Of course, regarding that request, it has undergone a meeting or briefing, so it’s not a personal decision; it’s an institutional decision,” said KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu at the KPK’s Merah Putih Building in South Jakarta on Thursday (26/3).
Asep explained that the decision was taken after various considerations, including legal norms in handling the alleged corruption case concerning the organisation and distribution of Hajj quotas at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
“And of course, the first consideration is the legal norms—whether they exist or not,” Asep stated.
He added that the transfer of Yaqut’s detention is also part of the investigation strategy. The KPK acknowledges that the decision has triggered public disappointment.
However, according to Asep, the public response actually demonstrates support for anti-corruption efforts. He assured that the legal process against Yaqut will continue and will not be halted.
“Yesterday, we were able to examine Mr YCQ, and today there has been very positive progress that we will announce on Monday. Without public support, this would not have happened, and the case handling might have taken longer,” he said.
The KPK had previously named Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, along with former Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs Isfan Abidal Aziz (IAA) alias Gus Alex, as suspects in the alleged corruption case related to the organisation and distribution of Hajj quotas.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to resolving the case up to the trial stage.
The case stems from alleged deviations in the distribution of additional Hajj quotas. Indonesia received an extra 20,000 quotas to accelerate the queue for pilgrims.
According to regulations, these quotas should have been allocated with 92 per cent for regular Hajj and 8 per cent for special Hajj. However, in practice, the distribution was reportedly done evenly, at 50 per cent each.
In the investigation process, the KPK has examined several officials at the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Additionally, service providers for Umrah travel have also been questioned.