Pre-Trial Motion by Yaqut Fails, KPK Continues Investigation Process
The South Jakarta District Court (PN Jakarta Selatan) has formally rejected the pre-trial motion filed by former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. In its ruling, the presiding judge determined that all legal measures taken by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) were legally sound and procedurally correct.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo welcomed the decision, reaffirming that the anti-corruption agency’s enforcement procedures had been conducted in accordance with applicable regulations. “The pre-trial judge of PN Jakarta Selatan has determined that all processes carried out by the KPK in enforcing the law regarding this alleged corruption offence have been in accordance with proper procedures and formal requirements,” Budi stated at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday, 11 March.
The panel of judges determined that the arguments presented by Yaqut’s legal team had entered the substantive merits of the case. Consequently, such objections must be examined during the corruption trial proceedings itself, not in the pre-trial jurisdiction. The court ordered the KPK to immediately continue its investigation.
In agreement with Budi, KPK Deputy for Enforcement and Execution Asep Guntur Rahayu commended the ruling and assured that the case would be pursued to its conclusion. “We also wish to express our gratitude for the support from the entire Indonesian public, as this is certainly eagerly anticipated,” Asep stated.
The KPK has confirmed that the case against Yaqut will soon be referred to trial. Public support is considered a crucial factor in the monitoring of this case. “We can now proceed to the next stage, which concerns the presentation of evidence,” Asep concluded.
Yaqut’s legal counsel had previously argued that the investigation process by the KPK should have followed the provisions of the new Indonesian Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). They contended that the suspect designation did not comply with proper procedures, alleging procedural defects, improper application of legal provisions, and irregularities in the state loss audit in relation to the alleged 2024 hajj quota corruption case.