Former Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, widely known as Gus Yaqut, has reportedly been diagnosed with acute GERD and asthma. This medical condition came to light following a health examination conducted before his return to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detention center on Tuesday, March 24.
Asep Guntur Rahayu, the KPK’s Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, confirmed that Yaqut’s health assessment took place at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, March 24, Asep revealed, “We inform that one of the results of the health assessment is that the individual in question suffers from acute GERD.” He further added, “Also suffers from asthma.”
Asep elaborated that these health issues were a significant factor in the KPK’s decision to temporarily transfer Yaqut to house arrest. While health conditions were a key element, Asep indicated that “many other factors” contributed to the change in detention status. He clarified, “This is certainly just one condition; there are also other requirements, specifically related to our case handling strategy to ensure it proceeds smoothly.”
The KPK initially transferred Yaqut to house arrest last Thursday, March 19. This change in his detention status was granted following a formal request submitted by his family on March 17, 2026. The commission approved the request, citing considerations aligned with Article 108, paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law Number 20 of 2025 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP).
However, Yaqut’s house arrest was short-lived. On Monday, March 23, the KPK reverted his status to a detention center inmate. Prior to his re-detention, he again underwent a medical examination at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital, where the aforementioned health issues were confirmed.
At the heart of these developments is the ongoing hajj quota corruption case, where Gus Yaqut stands as a key suspect. He was named alongside his former special staff, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, also known as Gus Alex.
The alleged scheme concerning the manipulation of hajj quotas reportedly took place during the 2023 and 2024 pilgrimage seasons. It is suspected that these vital quotas were systematically arranged and allocated in exchange for illicit fees. These fees were reportedly solicited from Special Hajj Organizers (PIHK), essentially private hajj travel agencies. Subsequently, these additional costs were then covertly passed on by the PIHKs to prospective special hajj pilgrims, embedded within their pilgrimage package prices.
Both Gus Yaqut and Gus Alex are alleged to have played substantial roles in orchestrating this corrupt hajj quota arrangement. The KPK has indicated that significant fees were channeled to both individuals, although the exact amounts involved have yet to be disclosed. They face charges under the Anti-Corruption Law for actions that allegedly resulted in substantial state losses. The KPK estimates that the financial detriment to the state in this hajj quota scandal amounts to a staggering Rp622 billion.
During his detention, Gus Yaqut vehemently denied receiving any illicit funds from the hajj quota allocations. He asserted that his actions were motivated solely by a concern for the safety and well-being of the pilgrims. Concurrently, Gus Alex stated that he had provided extensive information to investigators, expressing hope that his statements would contribute to uncovering the full truth of the matter. Significantly, Gus Alex also maintained that he had received no direct orders from Gus Yaqut concerning the alleged corrupt practices.
Summary
Former Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (Gus Yaqut), was diagnosed with acute GERD and asthma following a health examination before his return to KPK detention. This diagnosis was confirmed by KPK Deputy Asep Guntur Rahayu. His health condition was a factor in the KPK’s decision to temporarily transfer him to house arrest, though he was subsequently reverted to detention.
Gus Yaqut is a key suspect in the ongoing hajj quota corruption case, alleged to involve the manipulation of quotas in 2023 and 2024 for illicit fees from private hajj organizers. These fees were then reportedly passed on to prospective pilgrims, resulting in an estimated state loss of Rp622 billion. Gus Yaqut has vehemently denied receiving any illicit funds, asserting his actions were motivated by concern for pilgrim safety.