Yaqut's Camp Argues Exposé Minutes Cannot Be Used as Evidence for KPK to Name a Suspect

Lawyers for former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas criticised the use of the exposé minutes by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) as evidence in the 2024 additional hajj quota case. Yaqut’s legal team said the exposé minutes could not be used to determine a suspect.

The matter was raised during the continuation of a pretrial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court on Friday (6 March 2026). Coordinating Counsel Mellisa Anggraini said the exposé minutes cannot be interpreted as the basis for the charge.

‘The exposé does not form part of the documentary evidence, as it is not the basis of criminal offence,’ Mellisa said.

Mellisa explained that the exposé minutes have no binding force and are not included in the list of evidence ordinarily used in the enforcement process. She noted that before the designation of a suspect for her client, they only knew of the exposé being used as the basis by investigators.

‘At the moment, prior to the designation of the suspect (Gus Yaqut), there was only the exposé,’ Mellisa added.

Yaqut’s legal team has submitted various documents, including letters, regulations, and policies applicable during his tenure as Minister, to the judge. ‘We are ready to counter all evidence and arguments presented by the KPK in court,’ Mellisa said.