Yaqut Case Involving Temporary House Arrest Begins Investigation by KPK Supervisory Board

The KPK’s move to temporarily shift the status of former Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (YCQ) to house arrest has led to prolonged repercussions, culminating in reports to the KPK Supervisory Board (Dewas). These reports were filed by members of the public opposed to the KPK’s action. Yaqut was temporarily released from the KPK detention centre (rutan) and placed under house arrest during the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. In response, members of the public reported the KPK to Dewas starting from 25 March. Public Reports In their complaints, various societal groups reported KPK leaders, deputies, and spokespersons, deeming their decision to switch Yaqut to house arrest as covert. “Dewas has received several complaints from various societal elements since Wednesday (25/3). These complaints primarily question the legal and ethical basis behind the decision to change the detention status of suspect YCQ from rutan to house arrest,” said Dewas Chairman Gusrizal in a statement, quoted on Wednesday (1/4/2026). He stated that all reports have been followed up since Monday (30/3). He also assured that all follow-ups would be conducted in accordance with applicable provisions. “Dewas has received and disposed of every incoming complaint for prompt follow-up since Monday (30/3). Furthermore, Dewas emphasises that it will follow up on these complaints in accordance with applicable provisions and standard operational procedures (POB),” he said. On the other hand, he expressed appreciation for the public’s role in overseeing the KPK’s law enforcement processes in combating corruption. He also guaranteed that Dewas would continue to monitor all processes in this case. “We greatly appreciate the public’s participation in overseeing the course of law enforcement at the KPK. We will continue to monitor the handling of this case, particularly from an ethical perspective,” explained Gusrizal. He assured that Dewas is committed to carrying out its supervisory function. The body will continue to monitor every stage, especially regarding ethics and the behaviour of KPK personnel. KPK Dewas Begins Examining Complainants Most recently, Dewas KPK has begun examining complainants regarding alleged ethical violations related to the change in Yaqut’s detention status to house arrest. Dewas examined ARUKKI General Chairman Marselinus Edwin Hardhian, one of the complainants in the alleged ethical violation. The report submitted by Marselinus himself was filed via email on Monday (23/3). Marselinus stated that he was asked for clarification by Dewas regarding the basis of his complaint. “Today I came as the complainant to provide a statement and clarification on the various bases that led us to file this report. We have already explained that this report was made based on several grounds,” said Marselinus at the KPK ACLC building in South Jakarta on Wednesday (15/4). Marselinus explained that the basis of his report related to the KPK’s lack of openness regarding information as stipulated in Article 5 of the KPK Law. He noted that the incident of Yaqut becoming house arrest was known through other sources, not from the KPK itself. “It was not announced openly because the public learned about it from the wife of one of the detainees, and secondly, the KPK spokesperson themselves stated that the reason for approving the detention change was a request from the family,” he said. He also conveyed to Dewas KPK about the differing information provided by the KPK regarding the reasons for Yaqut’s house arrest. One of the reported parties is the KPK leadership. “This means there is a presumption of dishonesty and lack of transparency in information to the public because the information varies. The information differs, so the public does not receive direct information, and even when provided, the information is inconsistent,” he said. Marselinus also questioned Dewas about the detention strategy cited by the KPK as the reason for changing Yaqut to house arrest. According to him, if it was truly an investigation strategy, the results should have been announced. “We suspect there are two possibilities: first, it was just an excuse because from the beginning the reasons varied—family request, illness, and now investigation strategy—or second, the implementation of the investigation strategy failed, because to date, no results from that strategy have been announced to the public,” he stated. Marselinus mentioned that Dewas has indicated it will soon examine KPK leaders regarding the alleged ethical violations in his report. He hopes for a swift resolution of his complaint. “After me, as the complainant, has been called, the next step will be to summon the KPK leaders whom we have named as respondents,” he said. Response from KPK Chairman KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto admitted he has not received a letter requesting information from Dewas KPK regarding the change in house arrest status for Yaqut. Setyo said he could only wait for the process that Dewas will subsequently undertake. “Yes, for the leadership, not yet. But perhaps more specifically, that should be asked to Dewas,” Setyo told reporters at the KPK Merah Putih building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Tuesday (7/4). “Yes, we’ll just wait for the process,” he added.