MAKI Urges KPK to End House Detention Transfers Like Yaqut's Case

Suspended Riau Governor Abdul Wahid, the defendant in an alleged extortion case against his subordinates at the Riau Public Works Service Unit (UPT Dinas PUPR Riau), has requested house detention similar to that of former Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. The Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) has urged the KPK to be firm and no longer allow transfers of detention status to house arrest.

“It must be reaffirmed by the KPK that they will no longer carry out detention transfers or suspensions of detention, except in emergency situations such as illness, and even then only for referral to a hospital,” said MAKI Coordinator Boyamin Saiman to reporters on Friday (27/3/2026).

“There must be an official statement immediately that there will be no more tolerance,” he added.

Boyamin stated that such a step by the KPK would create a ‘snowball effect’ on other detainees. In fact, he said, it could potentially lead to lawsuits at the Constitutional Court (MK).

“This will become a snowball, rolling and everyone will demand it. Then there might be some who sue as well. Indeed, suing to the court or the Constitutional Court for equality, all sorts of things, it will become complicated,” he said.

“And that is what the KPK did not realise when approving the detention transfer. Whether due to pressure or out of good intentions, or sincerity, Eid, or whatever. But this clearly damages,” he continued.

Boyamin also noted that Yaqut’s heavy criminal threat alone allowed him to be under house detention. Moreover, he said, the Riau Governor’s case, which he assessed as lighter.

“Moreover, for this Riau Governor, the threat is even lighter, because the bribery and gratification articles are lighter, around five years,” he said.

Suspended Riau Governor Requests House Detention

Suspended Riau Governor Abdul Wahid is undergoing a prosecution trial for the alleged extortion case against his subordinates at the UPT Dinas PUPR Riau at the Pekanbaru Corruption Court (PN Tipikor Pekanbaru). During the trial, Abdul Wahid’s legal counsel requested that their client’s detention be changed to house detention like former Menag Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.

The request was submitted by Abdul Wahid’s legal counsel during the prosecution reading agenda. Three defendants were present: Abdul Wahid, Arief Setiawan, and Dani Nursallam.

First, the legal counsel stated they would challenge the KPK prosecutor’s indictment. Second, they requested separation during the trial process for various reasons, from cramped rooms and many legal counsels.

“We request that the examination of the three defendants be conducted separately. This is to allow the panel of judges to focus more on the proof later,” said Abdul Wahid’s legal counsel after the prosecution reading trial, as reported by detikSumut, on Thursday (26/3).

Next, the legal counsel raised the third point. It was a request to transfer Abdul Wahid’s detention from Pelanbaru Detention Centre to house detention.

The legal counsel also revealed the reasons for the request. One of them was the recent transfer of detention for Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and health reasons.

“Third, the defendant also wishes to apply for a transfer of detention from rutan detention to house detention. This is based on Article 108 paragraphs 5 and 11 of the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the consideration of the precedent from one of the suspects, Mr YC, who was transferred to house detention. The reasons are the defendant’s health, Mr Abdul Wahid, and a family guarantee letter from Mr Abdul Wahid’s family,” said the legal counsel.