Noel's Wife Reveals Other Detainees Wondering About Yaqut's Absence from KPK Detention Centre
Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was not present at the KPK detention centre during the Eid period, leading other detainees to wonder about his whereabouts. Recently, the KPK revealed that Yaqut is currently under house arrest.
Yaqut’s disappearance from the KPK detention centre was also disclosed by the wife of former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer (Noel), Silvia Rinita Harefa, after visiting Noel at the KPK detention centre during Eid on Saturday (21/3/2026). Silvia said that her husband and other KPK detainees had not seen Yaqut in the detention since Thursday (19/3).
“This time, we didn’t see Gus Yaqut earlier. The information is that he left on Thursday night,” said Silvia.
According to Silvia, her husband and other KPK detainees already knew that Yaqut had suddenly vanished from the KPK detention centre. They were wondering about his current whereabouts.
“Everyone knows about it. They were just wondering, they said there was an examination, but it’s unlikely to have an examination on the eve of Takbiran night,” explained Silvia.
Based on Noel’s testimony to Silvia, Yaqut was also not seen when the KPK detainees performed Eid prayers in the detention centre. The KPK is known to facilitate Eid prayers for Muslim detainees.
“The information is that he was going to be examined later, but for Eid prayers, according to people inside, he wasn’t there,” said Silvia.
KPK Explanation
KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that Yaqut’s detention status has now changed to house arrest. Yaqut’s detention was transferred since Thursday (19/3).
“Correct, the investigators carried out a change in the type of detention for the suspect Brother YCQ, from detention at the KPK Detention Centre to house arrest, since Thursday night (19/3),” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo to reporters on Saturday (21/3).
Budi explained that the request for the transfer was submitted by Yaqut’s family. The detention transfer is temporary.
“This transfer is based on a request from the family on 17 March 2026. Following that request, it was reviewed and granted with considerations in accordance with Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law Number 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code,” he stated.
The KPK stated that supervision will continue to be carried out on Yaqut during his house arrest. Budi assured that the detention transfer process complies with regulations and procedures.
“During the implementation of this detention transfer, the KPK continues to carry out close supervision and security for the person concerned,” he said.
“We assure that the process of this temporary detention transfer complies with the provisions and procedures for investigation and detention of a suspect,” he added.
The KPK did not explain until when Yaqut will be under house arrest. To date, the KPK has also not provided detailed explanations regarding the reasons for transferring Yaqut’s detention.