Yaqut Returns to Detention Centre as KPK Detention Controversy Escalates to Internal Affairs Panel

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The controversy surrounding the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) decision to change the detention status of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house arrest has not concluded, even though Yaqut has now returned to detention at the facility. After returning to the KPK detention centre on Tuesday (24/3/2026), Yaqut was re-examined as a suspect in the alleged 2023-2024 Hajj quota case on Wednesday (25/3/2026). Yaqut was questioned by KPK investigators for nearly three hours, from 1:16 PM WIB to 4:45 PM WIB. Nevertheless, he was brief in his comments after the examination. Yaqut only stated that the questioning process today went smoothly. “Alhamdulillah, the examination went smoothly,” he said. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that today’s examination of Yaqut is a quick and progressive step by the investigators to promptly complete the investigation file for the Hajj quota case. “Additionally, the examination in this case is also needed to further investigate the possibility of other parties who have central roles in the alleged corruption,” Budi said in his statement on Wednesday.