Yaqut's Flip-Flopping Detention Status Threatens KPK's Reputation
Former Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was returned to KPK detention today after a brief period as a house detainee. The short-term change in detention status has sparked scrutiny and is seen as threatening the KPK’s reputation.
Yaqut was detained following his designation as a suspect in the hajj quota corruption case. In this case, the KPK also named Yaqut’s special staff member, Ishfah Abidal Aziz or Gus Alex, as a suspect.
According to detikNews, here is the timeline of Yaqut’s detention status changes over just a few days:
12 March 2026: Detained After Failed Pre-Trial
Yaqut was detained by the KPK since Thursday (12/3), a day after his pre-trial motion was rejected by the court. The KPK stated that the detention was carried out after investigators ensured sufficient evidence.
“Why is the timing taking so long? Of course, we do not want to rush. We want to complete the evidence or sufficiency of evidence first in order to carry out this coercive measure,” explained Deputy for Enforcement and Execution of the KPK, Asep Guntur Rahayu.
Asep said all evidence would be tested in court. He also affirmed that the suspect designation against Yaqut was formally valid after the pre-trial lawsuit was rejected.
“Formally, what the KPK investigators have done has been tested in the pre-trial hearing… That means the suspect designation… is correct formally,” he clarified.
19-21 March 2026: Missing from Detention Centre, Turns Out House Detainee
Yaqut’s absence from the KPK detention centre was revealed during the Eid moment. This information was shared by Silvia Rinita Harefa after visiting her husband, Immanuel Ebenezer (Noel), on Saturday (21/3).
“This one, earlier I didn’t see Gus Yaqut. The info is he was released on Thursday night,” said Silvia.
According to her, other detainees questioned Yaqut’s whereabouts.
“Everyone knows about it, they said there was an examination, but it’s impossible to have an examination on the eve of Takbiran night,” she said.
The KPK then confirmed that Yaqut’s status had been changed to house detention since Thursday (19/3).
“True, the investigators carried out a change in the type of detention… from detention at the KPK Rutan to house detention,” said KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo.
The change was made at the family’s request and was temporary in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).
23 March 2026: Returned to Detention Centre
After four days of house detention, the KPK shifted Yaqut’s detention back to the KPK Rutan on Monday (23/3). Prior to that, Yaqut underwent a health examination at Bhayangkara Hospital TK I R Said Sukanto.
“Today the KPK is carrying out the process of changing the type of detention to return to KPK Rutan detention,” said Budi.
After the health test, Yaqut was officially detained again at the KPK Rutan today. He admitted that the previous detention change was a family request.
“It was our request,” said Yaqut.
He also took the opportunity to meet his mother during Eid.
“Alhamdulillah, I could pay respects to my mother, to my mum,” he said.
The KPK explained that the detention change was influenced by health factors and case handling strategy. The assessment results showed that Yaqut suffers from acute GERD and asthma.
“There are many factors besides the so-called health condition. One result from the health assessment is that the person suffers from acute GERD… and also asthma,” said Asep.
He added that the change was also related to strategy to ensure the investigation process runs smoothly and quickly.
Public Criticism: From MAKI to Former KPK Investigator
The change in Yaqut’s detention status has triggered criticism. MAKI Coordinator Boyamin Saiman sent a banner of sarcasm to the KPK.
“Today I am sending five banners of appreciation certificates to the KPK. Congratulations on breaking the record…” said Boyamin.
He assessed that the step created an impression of discrimination and provoked public anger.
“Well, if someone was once detained and healthy and then shifted to house detention, this creates discrimination and damages the system,” he said.
Even though Yaqut is now back in the rutan, Boyamin still sent the banner as a reminder.
“Even though YCQ is back in the KPK rutan, the banner is still needed,” he said.
Former KPK investigator Yudi Purnomo Harahap also assessed that this polemic impacts the institution’s image.
“Even though in the end the KPK revoked the house detention status. But the rice has become porridge,” said Yudi.
He emphasised the importance of accelerating case handling to restore public trust.
“Whatever answer from the KPK will no longer be heeded by the public, they must speed up the hajj quota case to be brought to court soon,” he said.