Why Has the KPK Only Now Detained Yaqut Cholil Qoumas? This Is the Reason

Jakarta, Kompas.com — The Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has explained the reason for only recently detaining former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, despite his designation as a suspect in the alleged corruption case involving the 2023-2024 hajj quota having been made since January 2026.

Asep Guntur Rahayu, Deputy for Enforcement and Execution at the KPK, stated that the commission did not want to rush into detention as it sought to strengthen its evidence.

“Why did it take quite a long time? Naturally, we did not want to rush. We wanted to strengthen the evidence first, or ensure sufficient evidence in the implementation of this coercive measure,” Asep said at the Red and White Building in Jakarta on Thursday (12 March 2026).

“This means that the designation of Yaqut Cholil Qoumas as a suspect by KPK investigators was already correct in formal terms,” he added.

Qoumas was formally detained following his questioning as a suspect at the Red and White Building in Jakarta.

“Today, the KPK has detained suspect Yaqut Cholil Qoumas for an initial period of 20 days commencing from 12-31 March 2026. Detention will take place at the State Detention House (Rutan) Branch of the Red and White Building KPK,” Asep Guntur Rahayu stated during a press conference at the Red and White Building in Jakarta on Thursday.

Qoumas is charged under Article 2(1) and/or Article 3 of Law No. 31 of 1999 concerning the Eradication of Corruption Offences.

The KPK revealed that the alleged corruption case involving the hajj quota resulted in state losses reaching IDR 622 billion.