Pre-trial Motion in Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut's Hajj Quota Corruption Case Rejected

A single judge at South Jakarta District Court has rejected the pre-trial motion filed by former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas challenging his suspect status in a 2024 hajj quota corruption case. Yaqut’s legal team contends that the judge failed to consider the evidence they presented.

“Of course, we respect the judge’s decision today. We also have serious concerns about this trial process because despite the many arguments we presented, the pre-trial judge only examined the number of evidence items already available, which is two. As for whether they are of quality and whether they are relevant, that was not considered at all,” said Yaqut’s lawyer, Mellisa Anggraini, following the hearing at South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday (11 March 2026).

Mellisa raised concerns about the KPK leadership’s authority in designating Yaqut as a suspect, which was not addressed in the pre-trial judge’s reasoning. According to her, this could set a poor precedent under the new Criminal Code.

“The judge did not even discuss the KPK’s authority in establishing a suspect. This authority is clearly stated in the Criminal Code and in the KPK law that has already been repealed,” Mellisa said.

Mellisa emphasised Yaqut’s legal rights, stating there is no legal certainty for her client.

“What is binding is the letter formally designating him as a suspect, not a notification letter. Because legal rights and certainty are contained in the letter formally designating a suspect. Until now we have not received that document. So as those seeking justice, we certainly no longer know where the legal certainty lies,” she stated.

Previously, the South Jakarta District Court judge rejected Yaqut’s pre-trial motion regarding his suspect status in the hajj quota corruption case. The judge declared Yaqut’s status as a suspect to be valid.

“I reject the pre-trial motion of the petitioner in its entirety,” stated single judge Sulistyo Muhamad Dwi Putro when reading the ruling in pre-trial case number 19/Pid.Pra/2026/PN JKT.SEL at South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday (11 March).

The judge stated that the KPK’s designation of Yaqut as a suspect complied with applicable procedures and regulations. The judge ruled that Yaqut’s pre-trial motion arguments constituted merits of the case.

“I order the petitioner to pay court costs of zero rupiah,” the judge said.