Pre-trial Ruling on Yaqut versus KPK to be Announced Today

JAKARTA — The ruling in a pre-trial hearing filed by former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas against the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will be delivered on Wednesday, 11 March, at 10:00 WIB, presiding judge Sulistyo Muhamad Dwi Putro announced on Monday, 9 March.

At the conclusion of proceedings, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas expressed optimism that the truth would come to light through the legal process in the pre-trial hearing.

The hearing, filed at the South Jakarta District Court, challenges the KPK over the legality of his designation as a suspect.

As the petitioner, Yaqut expressed confidence that the proceedings had been conducted in accordance with sound principles.

“I am convinced that through a very objective judicial process that I believe is being conducted fairly, truth will find its way wherever and whenever,” Yaqut stated.

“I believe this presents a good opportunity for this nation in general and all citizens to demonstrate that truth exists in the country we love, and that justice exists in the country we love,” he said.

Yaqut also commended presiding judge Sulistyo Muhamad for directing the pre-trial proceedings firmly, allowing the process to run smoothly.

“I believe the presiding judge led the pre-trial process with firmness so that everything could proceed well and smoothly. Today we witnessed everything going well,” he said.

“I have followed this pre-trial process from the beginning. Although I attended in person initially, I subsequently followed proceedings online,” he noted.

During the proceedings, Yaqut also expressed gratitude for the understanding that existed between expert witnesses presented by both the petitioner and the respondent.

“I am very grateful because there was understanding, mutual accord between expert witnesses presented by both the respondent and the petitioner on several matters,” he stated.

According to Yaqut, one important point agreed upon by the experts concerned the procedure for designating a suspect in corruption cases.

“Most importantly, expert witnesses from both the petitioner and respondent shared an understanding that the designation of a suspect must follow a process where there is no state loss beforehand,” he said.