Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) shifted former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house arrest on March 19, 2026, in a hajj quota corruption case. Fellow KPK detainees noticed his absence during Idul Fitri prayers. The KPK spokesperson confirmed the change is not permanent.
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed that Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, former Religious Affairs Minister and suspect in the alleged hajj quota corruption case for Indonesia 2023-2024, was shifted from KPK's Gedung Merah Putih branch detention to house arrest since the evening of March 19, 2026. Yaqut's family requested the change on March 17, 2026, which KPK approved under Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law No. 20 of 2025 on the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP). KPK assured close monitoring for the temporary period. The Audit Board of Indonesia (BPK) stated the case caused state losses of Rp622 billion. Yaqut was named a suspect on January 9, 2026, and detained on March 12, 2026, after his pre-trial motion was rejected on March 11. On March 21, 2026, Silvia Rinita Harefa, wife of another suspect Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan, reported after visiting her husband that detainees questioned Yaqut's absence during Idul Fitri prayers. “Tadi sih sempat enggak lihat Gus Yaqut ya. Infonya sih, katanya keluar Kamis (19/3) malam,” said Silvia. “Kata orang-orang di dalam ya, enggak ada. Beliau enggak ada.” She noted all detainees knew and doubted examination rumors near takbiran night. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed, “Pengalihan ini memang tidak bersifat permanen.” KPK will update the duration.
