Widespread Criticism as KPK Changes Yaqut's Status to House Arrest

Several parties have criticised the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) decision to change the detention status of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house arrest.

Yaqut was named as one of the suspects in the alleged corruption case related to Indonesia’s hajj quota for 2023-2024 by the KPK on 9 January 2026.

On 12 March 2026, the KPK detained Yaqut at the KPK’s Red and White Building branch state detention centre after his pre-trial motion was rejected on 11 March 2026.

Yaqut’s release from the KPK detention centre to become a house detainee was initially revealed by the wife of corruption extortion suspect and former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan alias Noel, Silvia Rinita Harefa.

Silvia told journalists waiting for her that there was circulating information among the detainees about Yaqut Cholil not being seen at the state detention centre or rutan.

“Just now, I didn’t see Gus Yaqut. The info is that he left on Thursday (19/3) night,” said Silvia on Saturday (21/3) afternoon.

The KPK then responded regarding the matter. The KPK transferred Yaqut’s detention to house arrest. The change in status for the former religious affairs minister was made since Thursday.

“True, the investigators carried out a change in the type of detention for suspect Brother YCQ, from detention at the KPK Rutan to house arrest, since Thursday (18/3) night,” said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo.

Budi revealed that the transfer of detention status was based on a request from the suspect’s family on 17 March.

“Following that request, it was then reviewed and approved with considerations in accordance with Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law Number 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code,” he said.

Budi assured that the status change was in accordance with procedures and procedures.

“We assure that the detention transfer process for this temporary period is in accordance with the provisions and procedures for investigation and detention of a suspect,” he said.

Comparison with Lukas Enembe

Coordinator of the Indonesian Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) Boyamin Saiman said the reason for the KPK changing Yaqut’s status was unclear, very surprising, and disappointing because it was done secretly. Boyamin urged the KPK Oversight Board to investigate the KPK regarding the status change.

“This should be the KPK Oversight Board must immediately carry out this process as an alleged violation of the code of ethics without having to wait for complaints from the public,” Boyamin told the media on Sunday (22/3).

According to him, the KPK’s decision even breaks the MURI record since it was founded in 2003. Because, until now, it has never transferred detention status, let alone done so secretly.

“This is very disappointing, unless it was announced from the beginning, no problem. But this was done secretly and even the reason was for additional examinations of other detainees. But he didn’t return. This is truly disappointing behaviour from the KPK. It has broken the record, secretly, and also not announced,” he said.

He compared the KPK’s attitude towards Yaqut and the late former Governor of Papua, Lukas Enembe.

According to him, the KPK did not easily grant suspension or release for Lukas, who was clearly ill at the time.

“When Lukas Enembe was ill and his family requested a change in detention suspension, or even medical release, it was often pulled back to detention. So it was not granted. Therefore, for Yaqut, the reason is not illness, let alone we don’t know what reason the KPK used,” he said.

Privilege in KPK history

Chairman of the IM57+ Institute Lakso Anindito said the KPK’s decision cannot be seen as ordinary legal action under the Criminal Procedure Code, given that the privilege was only given to Yaqut.

“In KPK history, there has never been such special treatment for someone, especially without a specific reason like the need for special health treatment, which would even have to be in a hospital,” said Lakso in a written statement on Sunday (22/3).

Lakso assessed that the KPK’s action damages the principle of equality before the law. Moreover, Yaqut’s suspect status has become stronger after the KPK won the pre-trial.

“In line with the IM57+ Institute’s previous statement, the KPK detainee status is important to ensure there is no intervention in handling this case. Through the status transfer, the potential for intervention will be even greater,” he said.

He said the real reasons for the KPK’s actions need to be explored. According to him, President Prabowo Subianto must maintain the KPK’s independence from all potential interventions by various parties.

He warned that the KPK’s actions should not be carried out because Yaqut has access to power.

Urge Dewas to intervene

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) urged the KPK to be transparent in changing Yaqut’s status to house arrest. ICW assessed that the status creates the impression of special treatment given by the KPK to Yaqut.

“The KPK must provide a transparent explanation regarding the reasons why YCQ was moved from KPK rutan to house arrest. This is a form of privilege given by the KPK to the corruption suspect,” said ICW researcher Wana Alamsyah to reporters on Sunday (22/3).

ICW said that so far the KPK has had strict standards in suspending corruption suspects’ detention. However, in Yaqut’s case, no detailed explanation was given by the KPK.

“Based on ICW records, the detention transfers carried out by the KPK are quite strict, one of which is due to illness,” he said.

ICW also warned the KPK of the potential impacts when making Yaqut a house detainee. ICW is concerned that Yaqut could eliminate evidence or influence witnesses in the ongoing hajj quota corruption investigation.

“This will become a bad precedent for corruption eradication in Indonesia. Because, the suspect has the potential to destroy and eliminate evidence, or influence witnesses when under house arrest,” said Wana.

Furthermore, Wana urged the KPK Oversight Board (Dewas) to step in and examine the KPK leadership. ICW assessed the status change