Under House Arrest, Yaqut Can Celebrate Eid with Family

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has released former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) from the KPK detention centre. The corruption suspect in the Hajj quota case has been placed under house arrest, enabling him to celebrate Eid with his family.

“Investigators have changed the type of detention for suspect Mr YCQ from detention at the KPK Detention Centre to house arrest, effective from Thursday, 19 March evening,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo in his statement on Sunday (22/3/2026).

The KPK reasoned that the change in Yaqut’s detention status was in response to his family’s request on 17 March 2026. The KPK stated that the decision to release Yaqut from the detention centre was based on Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law No. 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code.

“It is implemented by changing the type of detention for a temporary period,” Budi said.

Although described as temporary, the KPK has not specified when Yaqut will return to the KPK Detention Centre. The KPK only guarantees strict monitoring of Yaqut while he is out of the detention centre.

“During the implementation of this change in detention, the KPK continues to conduct close supervision and security for the individual,” Budi stated.

In this case, Yaqut is a suspect alongside former Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs Isfan Abidal Aziz (IAA), alias Gus Alex, in the 2024 Hajj quota distribution case. The KPK detained Yaqut for the initial 20 days from 12 to 31 March 2026.

Yaqut’s detention was at the KPK’s Red White Building Branch Detention Centre. Meanwhile, Alex was detained later by the KPK on 17 March.