Yaqut Relieved as Preliminary Hearing Process Proceeds Openly and Objectively, Verdict to be Delivered on 11 March

Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas expressed relief after participating in a series of preliminary hearings regarding his designation as a suspect. The hearing held at the South Jakarta District Court has now entered its final stage, with the submission of conclusions from all parties.

During the proceedings, presiding judge Sulistyo Muhammad Dwi Putro stated that the day’s agenda was to receive conclusions from the petitioner and respondent. “Preliminary hearing number 19 is opened and open to the public. Today, the conclusions should be submitted, as there are no responses to the conclusions,” said judge Sulistyo.

Following the submission of conclusion documents, the judge also set the schedule for delivering the preliminary hearing verdict. “Subsequently, we will announce the verdict on 11 March at 10:00. The hearing is closed,” the judge said.

After the hearing, Yaqut expressed relief regarding the preliminary hearing process, which he said had proceeded openly, fairly, and objectively. “As a citizen seeking legal justice, I must frankly state that I feel greatly relieved. Thus far, the preliminary hearing process has been conducted openly, fairly, and objectively. All parties have received ample time and space,” said Yaqut.

According to Yaqut, the proceedings led by judge Sulistyo were firm and orderly, allowing the entire process to run smoothly. He considered this evidence that the state is present in providing space for citizens to seek justice through legal mechanisms. “This shows that the state is present in every legal process requested by its citizens. We should all feel reassured by this,” he said.

Yaqut also stated that he has followed the preliminary hearing proceedings from the beginning, both in person and online. He noted that there was substantial agreement between expert witnesses presented by both the petitioner and respondent. One point of particular attention, according to him, was the experts’ view that the designation of suspect status should be based on the existence of state losses beforehand.

“I am grateful because there is agreement between expert witnesses for both the petitioner and respondent. Most importantly, that the designation of suspect status must go through a process or there must already be state losses beforehand,” he said.

However, Yaqut stated that more detailed explanations regarding the legal points in the case would be provided by his legal team. He remained confident that the objectively conducted judicial process would ultimately reveal the truth. “I am confident that with objective and fair justice, the truth will find its way, wherever and whenever,” he said.

The preliminary hearing verdict in Yaqut’s case is scheduled to be delivered on 11 March 2026 at the South Jakarta District Court.