MP: Transfer of Yaqut's Detention Could Undermine Public Trust in KPK
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - A member of Commission III of the House of Representatives from the Nasdem Faction, Rudianto Lallo, has assessed that the transfer of the detention status of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house arrest has the potential to reduce public trust in the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
Rudianto stated that this step raises various questions in society, as it is deemed unusual in handling corruption cases.
“Because this is about the stakes of the institution. Why do I call it the stakes of the institution? Because if the public views the KPK as discriminatory, selective, only giving facilities to certain people, like house arrest. This will reduce public trust in the KPK institution. Don’t let a single blemish spoil the whole pot,” said Rudianto when contacted by Kompas.com on Monday (23/3/2026).
He highlighted the possibility of perceptions of legal discrimination or inequality before the law (equality before the law), especially since not all suspects receive similar treatment.
“The problem ahead is that other detainees will also demand the same (house arrest). Why is A given it, but B is not. In the end, it creates the legal discrimination I mentioned earlier. As if there is special privilege for certain people. This is what we, the public, regret,” he said.
“Why could it be that just a week before, the investigators themselves detained him. Then the next week, it was transferred by themselves, quietly too. This is what raises questions for the public,” he added.
He emphasised that although this step does not violate legal rules, aspects of propriety and normality must still be considered in law enforcement, particularly in corruption cases classified as extraordinary crimes.
He also requested that KPK leaders directly provide open explanations to the public, not just through the spokesperson.
“In my opinion, KPK leaders must explain this to the public. Not specifically, I think it’s not enough with just the spokesperson,” he concluded.
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that the decision was taken following a request from the family.
“Investigators carried out the transfer of the type of detention for suspect Brother YCQ, from detention at the KPK Detention Centre to house arrest, starting from Thursday night (19/3/2026),” said Budi Prasetyo in his statement on Saturday (21/3/2026).
He assured that the transfer would not hinder the ongoing investigation process.
“This transfer of detention type we ensure will not hinder the investigation process. We will promptly complete the investigation file so it can be handed over to the prosecution stage soon,” he continued.
The determination was made after the pre-trial effort was rejected by the South Jakarta District Court.
In this case, Yaqut is charged under Article 2 paragraph (1) and/or Article 3 of Law Number 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption, with state losses alleged to reach Rp 622 billion.