Yaqut Supporters Rebuked by Judge After Jeering Absent KPK at Pretrial Hearing
The first pretrial hearing contesting the suspect designation of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, known as Gus Yaqut, in connection with the 2024 hajj quota corruption case was postponed on Tuesday. Inside the courtroom, Yaqut’s supporters expressed their frustration by jeering when the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), as the respondent, failed to attend.
“As of 10:50, the respondent has not appeared,” said Judge Sulistyo Muhammad Dwi Putro at South Jakarta District Court on Tuesday (24/2/2026).
The KPK’s absence angered Yaqut’s sympathisers, who had packed the courtroom. They began shouting to voice their disappointment. The supporters, wearing black shirts bearing Yaqut’s likeness, jeered audibly.
The judge promptly rebuked the outburst. Judge Sulistyo urged all those present to respect the proceedings.
“There is no need to shout — this is Ramadan, let us respect the dignity of the court and the holy month,” the judge said.
“You have all been permitted to sit here, which means your rights have been fulfilled. Your obligation is to maintain order,” he added.
The judge warned that any repeat of such behaviour would result in attendees being barred from the courtroom. The bench would not permit them to re-enter.
“During these proceedings, if anyone is disorderly, I will ensure you cannot attend the next hearing inside. You will have to watch from outside. So let us maintain order in this court,” he stated.
Hearing Adjourned Until 3 March 2026
The judge noted that the KPK had requested a postponement. The pretrial hearing was ultimately adjourned until 3 March.
“We will adjourn for one week until 3 March 2026. We will summon the KPK for a second and final time,” Judge Sulistyo said.
Yaqut was designated a suspect by the KPK in the alleged hajj quota corruption case and subsequently filed a pretrial challenge against that designation. He lodged the pretrial motion on Tuesday 10 February at South Jakarta District Court, questioning the legality of his suspect status. The case is registered under number 19/Pid.Pra/2026/PN JKT.SEL, with Yaqut as the petitioner and the KPK leadership as the respondent.