Lawyer Responds to Criticism over Yaqut's House Arrest by KPK

The lawyer for former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, or Gus Yaqut, Dodi S Abdulkadir, has responded to criticism from various parties regarding the KPK’s decision to change Yaqut’s detention status to house arrest.

He stated that criticism is acceptable as long as it remains within reasonable bounds and supports the KPK’s duties. “Criticism is certainly valid and necessary for public transparency, as long as it stays within reasonable limits and supports the KPK’s independent and professional execution of its duties,” Dodi said when contacted on Monday (23/3).

Dodi noted that the KPK is best positioned to explain the reasons for granting the request to change the detention status. He emphasised that his client has always been cooperative during the investigation into the hajj quota corruption case. “Of course, the KPK is most aware of the considerations for determining house arrest for Mr Yaqut. As a note, Mr Yaqut has always been cooperative and supportive of the KPK’s law enforcement efforts,” he said.

The KPK previously switched Yaqut’s detention to house arrest. The change in status for the former religious affairs minister took effect from Thursday (18/3). “Indeed, the investigators have changed the type of detention for suspect YCQ, from detention at the KPK detention centre to house arrest, since Thursday night (18/3),” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo on Saturday (21/3).

Budi explained that the change in detention status was based on a request from the suspect’s family on 17 March. “Following that request, it was reviewed and approved based on considerations in accordance with Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law No. 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code,” he said.

Budi assured that the change in status complied with procedures. “We assure that the process of changing the detention for this temporary period complies with the provisions and procedures for investigation and detention of a suspect,” he said.

The move has drawn criticism from several parties, including the IM57+ Institute. Chairman of the IM57+ Institute, Lakso Anindito, stated that the KPK’s decision cannot be viewed as a standard legal action under the Criminal Procedure Code, given the special treatment granted only to Yaqut. “In KPK’s history, there has never been such special treatment for an individual, especially without specific reasons like the need for special medical treatment, which would require hospitalisation,” Lakso said in a written statement on Sunday (22/3).

Lakso assessed that the KPK’s action damages the principle of equality before the law. Moreover, Yaqut’s suspect status has been strengthened following the KPK’s victory in the pre-trial hearing. “As per the IM57+ Institute’s previous statement, the KPK detention status is important to prevent any intervention in handling this case. Through this status change, the potential for intervention increases,” he said.

He stated that the real reasons behind the KPK’s action need to be explored. In his view, President Prabowo Subianto must safeguard the KPK’s independence from any potential interference by various parties. He warned against the KPK’s action being influenced by Yaqut’s access to power. “Independence will be destroyed when special treatment is imposed on corruption perpetrators through privileges. This will reduce public trust in corruption eradication, not only by the KPK but also by President Prabowo Subianto,” he said.