Yaqut on Pre-trial Lawsuit: Not to Defy the Law, But to Exercise Rights

Jakarta, VIVA – Former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has stated that the pre-trial lawsuit he filed at the South Jakarta District Court is not intended to oppose legal proceedings.

Yaqut made the assertion following the pre-trial hearing on his suspect status at the South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

“I am exercising my right to file a pre-trial challenge against my designation as a suspect by the KPK. This is not in any way intended to obstruct, let alone defy, the legal process — not at all,” Yaqut told reporters.

He explained that the pre-trial motion is his right as a party designated as a suspect by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in the hajj quota case.

“Rather, I am exercising my right, just as you all witnessed today — the KPK also exercised its right not to attend today’s hearing,” he said.

On the same occasion, Yaqut also revealed his reasoning behind the decision to divide the additional 2024 hajj quota on a 50:50 basis between special and regular hajj allocations.

Yaqut said his consideration at the time was to safeguard the lives and safety of hajj pilgrims due to limited accommodation capacity.

“Thirdly, I also need to convey that the matter I am facing is one that we all know concerns the hajj quota,” he said.

“The sole consideration behind my decision when determining the quota allocation was hifzhun nafsi — protecting the lives and safety of pilgrims due to the limited capacity available in Saudi Arabia,” he added.