Pre-trial Motion of Yaqut Rejected, Legal Representative Says This Is a Bad Precedent

Jakarta — The legal representative of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Mellisa Anggraini, has expressed concern that the South Jakarta District Court’s (PN Jaksel) rejection of a pre-trial motion sets a troubling legal precedent.

“We believe this represents a bad precedent regarding the application of the new Criminal Procedure Code. There is legal uncertainty here,” said Mellisa following the court’s ruling on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

Mellisa contended that the judge failed to consider the quality or relevance of the evidence presented by the respondent. Additionally, the panel did not address questions concerning the KPK’s authority to designate suspects.

“Out of the numerous arguments we presented, the pre-trial judge only considered the number of existing pieces of evidence, which amounted to two,” said Mellisa.

Nevertheless, Mellisa affirmed that her team respects the judge’s decision and will continue to pursue further legal remedies in the case.

“Whatever the outcome, we will certainly pursue all available legal remedies in the process ahead,” she stated.

Presiding Judge Sulistyo Muhamad Dwi Putro announced the ruling: “We reject all exceptions raised by the respondent. On the merits, we reject the entire pre-trial motion filed by the petitioner.”

The judge stated that the petitioner’s arguments were unfounded under the law.

In his reasoning, the judge emphasised that Indonesia’s system of evidence is based on the principle of judicial discretion grounded in evidence that is valid under the law.

On this basis, the pre-trial motion filed by Yaqut could not be granted.