Yaqut's Camp Dismisses Criticism Over House Arrest Status

The legal representative of former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Dodi S Abdulkadir, has spoken out regarding the change in his client’s detention status to house arrest by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Yaqut, who is a suspect in the hajj quota case, was released from KPK’s detention facility solely due to a request from his family. Dodi believes that the KPK has made the best decision for his client. He feels that his client’s attitude was also a consideration for the KPK in approving the house arrest. “Of course, the KPK knows best about the considerations for determining house arrest for Mr Yaqut. As a note, Mr Yaqut has always been cooperative and supportive of the KPK’s law enforcement efforts,” Dodi told Republika on Monday (23/3/2026). Dodi assured that all procedures have been followed for the change in his client’s status to house arrest. He feels that there is no doubt regarding the legal efforts. “All procedures for the transfer have been fulfilled in accordance with the provisions. The legal advisors certainly guarantee it,” Dodi stated. Regarding the various sharp criticisms of his client’s status, Dodi is not bothered. Dodi said that his client meets all KPK obligations, including supervision throughout the house arrest period. “Gus Yaqut has always been cooperative so far and has carried out legal provisions, including the legal process at the KPK. Therefore, the legal advisors are confident that Gus Yaqut will carry out all the obligations set,” Dodi said. In this case, the KPK had previously decided that Yaqut was a suspect along with former Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs Isfan Abidal Aziz (IAA), alias Gus Alex. Yaqut is charged with violating Article 2 paragraph (1) and or Article 3 of Law No. 31 of 1999 jo. Article 18 of Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption as amended by Law No. 20 of 2001 on Amendments to Law No. 31 of 1999 on the Eradication of Criminal Acts of Corruption jo. Article 55 paragraph (1) first of the Criminal Code. The KPK then detained Suspect Yaqut for the first 20 days from 12 to 31 March 2026. The detention was carried out at the KPK’s Red White Building Branch State Detention Centre. But Yaqut avoided detention at this facility. Meanwhile, Alex was detained later by the KPK on 17 March.