NU's Banser Form Guard of Honour at Gus Yaqut's First Pretrial Hearing in South Jakarta

Members of Nahdlatul Ulama’s Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser) escorted the proceedings at the first pretrial hearing over the suspect designation imposed by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas — widely known as Gus Yaqut — in connection with the 2024 hajj quota corruption case. The Banser contingent dispersed after Gus Yaqut concluded the court session.

Observers at South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (24 February 2026) noted a number of Banser members forming ranks in front of the courthouse. They wore matching camouflage uniforms complete with caps, boots and Banser identification badges.

The Banser contingent was heard chanting Islamic prayers as Gus Yaqut emerged from the court building. Gus Yaqut was seen shaking hands with his supporters.

The group then posed for photographs at the courthouse gates following the hearing. Chants and rallying cries could be heard during the moment.

“Banser, Banser? Extraordinary!” the crowd shouted at the scene.

The presiding judge announced that the KPK had filed a request for postponement. The pretrial hearing was ultimately adjourned for one week until 3 March.

“We will adjourn the hearing for one week to 3 March 2026. We will summon the KPK for a second and final time,” said Judge Sulistyo during the session.

Yaqut was designated a suspect in the alleged hajj quota corruption case by the KPK. He subsequently filed a pretrial motion challenging that status.

Yaqut lodged the pretrial challenge regarding the legality of his suspect designation at South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday 10 February. The challenge was registered under case number 19/Pid.Pra/2026/PN JKT.SEL.

The petitioner in the case is Yaqut, whilst the respondent is the KPK, care of its leadership.