Legal Expert Calls Return of Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut to KPK Detention Centre a Victory for Public Voice

Criminal law expert from Trisakti University, Azmi Syahputra, has commended the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) decision to revoke the house arrest status of former Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, and return him to the detention centre on Monday, 23 March 2026.

Azmi views this decision as the KPK’s response to public criticism demanding equal treatment for all corruption suspects.

“The KPK’s swift revocation of the former Minister’s house arrest status is a victory for the principle of equality before the law. This is evidence that the public voice serves as the best alarm for justice,” Azmi stated in Jakarta on Tuesday (24/3/2026).

According to Azmi, the short-lived revocation of house arrest status demonstrates that the KPK still prioritises integrity as a key parameter in its policies. He emphasised that the law must not grant special treatment to certain parties.

He assessed that returning Yaqut to the detention centre is crucial for restoring public trust that was eroded by the controversy over the status change.

“This action is very important as a correction to avoid perceptions of ‘privilege’. It sends a positive signal that KPK leadership is willing to correct controversial policies,” he added.

While appreciating this corrective step, the Secretary General of the Indonesian Criminal Law and Criminology Society (MAHUPIKI) reminded the KPK to be more selective and transparent in granting detention discretions in the future. This aims to prevent further public unrest.

“The lesson from this incident is a stark reminder that the public is not asleep. When the KPK listens to criticism and revokes controversial discretions, that is when hope for accountable anti-corruption efforts reignites,” Azmi asserted firmly.

Previously, the KPK officially revoked the house arrest status of former Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ), and returned him to the KPK detention centre. KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that the process of reverting the type of detention for Yaqut was carried out today, Monday (23/3/2026), or the third day of Eid al-Fitr.

“Today, the KPK carried out the process of reverting the type of detention for Suspect Mr. YCQ in the alleged corruption case regarding Hajj quotas, from house arrest back to KPK detention centre detention,” Budi stated in his official remarks in Jakarta.

Budi said that before being returned to the cell, Yaqut must undergo a series of medical procedures. Currently, Yaqut is at Bhayangkara Hospital Level I R. Said Sukanto (RS Polri), Kramat Jati, East Jakarta, to ensure his health condition.

“In the process, a series of health examinations for the individual are required. For now, the examination by doctors is still ongoing at Bhayangkara Hospital. We all await the results of this health test,” Budi continued.

Budi stated that this change in detention status will not hinder the legal process. He affirmed that the KPK is committed to promptly completing the case file so it can be handed over to the prosecution stage in court as soon as possible.

“We ensure that the investigation of the case will continue to progress in accordance with applicable mechanisms and legal provisions, to complete the investigator’s file and hand it over to the prosecution stage promptly,” he emphasised.

Furthermore, Budi expressed appreciation to the public for continuously monitoring this case, especially after the controversy over house arrest that sparked criticism from various parties, including former investigators and academics.

“We extend our thanks to all Indonesians who continue to monitor and support the KPK in handling this case. We will keep updating on its developments,” Budi concluded.

Previously, the KPK changed the type of detention for Gus Yaqut from KPK detention centre detention to house arrest on Thursday (19/3). This change was based on a request from the family on 17 March 2026.

The request was granted considering Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law No. 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code.

This detention change was for a certain period. During this detention change, the KPK maintained close supervision and security for Gus Yaqut.

The KPK has scheduled an examination of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) in his capacity as a suspect in the alleged corruption case regarding Hajj quotas.