Yaqut Grateful, Expert Witnesses in Pre-Trial Hearing Agree on Suspect Designation

Jakarta — Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has expressed gratitude for the consensus reached among expert witnesses in his pre-trial hearing against the Anti-Corruption Commission (KPK).

Yaqut stated that there were several points of agreement between expert witnesses presented by both the petitioner and respondent during the court proceedings.

“I am very grateful because there is agreement, mutual understanding between expert witnesses from both the respondent and the petitioner’s experts on several matters,” Yaqut said at the South Jakarta District Court on Monday (9 March 2026).

“Most importantly, the expert witnesses from both the petitioner and respondent have reached consensus that the designation of a suspect must go through a process, or there must first be evidence of state loss,” Yaqut stated.

He added that various technical matters related to legal arguments in the case will be explained further by his legal team.

Nevertheless, Yaqut expressed satisfaction that the court proceedings have been conducted objectively, both in terms of the judicial process and the testimonies provided by the expert witnesses.

“I am pleased that all of this has proceeded objectively, not only the judicial process itself but also the expert witnesses presented have provided understanding in an objective and comprehensive manner,” he said.

In this pre-trial hearing, Yaqut is challenging the legality of his designation as a suspect in an alleged corruption case involving the 2024 pilgrimage quota. He is requesting the court to annul his status as a suspect in the pilgrimage quota corruption case.