The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has once again altered the detention status of former Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, also known as Gus Yaqut. Effective Monday, March 23, 2026, Gus Yaqut is being transferred from house arrest back to the KPK Detention Center (Rutan KPK) as his corruption case proceeds. This move underscores the KPK’s unwavering resolve in pursuing allegations of hajj quota corruption.
Confirming the development, KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated, “Today, Monday, March 23, 2026, the KPK is carrying out the process of transferring the type of detention for Suspect Mr. YCQ in the alleged criminal act of corruption concerning the hajj quota, from house arrest to return to the KPK Detention Center.” Prasetyo emphasized that this crucial change in detention status hinges on the outcome of Gus Yaqut’s health examination.
“Throughout this process, a series of health examinations for the individual are required,” Budi added. The ongoing medical evaluation is currently being conducted by a team of doctors at RS Bhayangkara TK I R. Said Sukanto in East Jakarta. The results of these tests will serve as the definitive basis for determining the continuation of Gus Yaqut’s detention at the KPK Detention Center.
Despite the administrative adjustments to Gus Yaqut’s detention, the KPK assures the public that the investigation into the alleged hajj quota corruption case remains fully active and will progress strictly in accordance with prevailing legal provisions. “We guarantee that the case investigation will continue to advance according to the mechanisms and legal regulations in force,” Budi stated. The commission also extended its gratitude to the Indonesian public for their continuous oversight and support in handling this significant case.
This latest transfer follows a prior adjustment made on Thursday, March 19, 2026, when the KPK initially moved Gus Yaqut from the KPK Detention Center to house arrest. This temporary change in detention status was granted in response to a request from his family on March 17, 2026. The decision was made after careful consideration, in compliance with Article 108 paragraphs (1) and (11) of Law No. 20 of 2025 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code. During this period of house arrest, the KPK maintained strict oversight and security measures on Gus Yaqut.
The core of the accusation against Yaqut Cholil Qoumas stems from his alleged involvement in a hajj quota corruption case within the Ministry of Religious Affairs for the years 2023 and 2024. Investigations revealed a systematic demand for “fee” payments from Special Hajj Organizers (PIHKs), with these illicit charges subsequently passed on to prospective special hajj pilgrims, inflating their pilgrimage package costs.
Further implicating others in the scheme, Gus Alex, who served as the former Special Staff to the Minister of Religious Affairs from 2020-2024, is also alleged to be involved in manipulating the hajj quota system. Both Gus Yaqut and Gus Alex have been formally named suspects. Gus Yaqut was initially detained on Thursday, March 12, followed by Gus Alex’s detention by the KPK on Tuesday, March 17, as the commission intensifies its efforts to dismantle the alleged corruption network.
Summary
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has again changed the detention status of former Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, known as Gus Yaqut. Effective March 23, 2026, he is being moved from house arrest back to the KPK Detention Center. This transfer awaits the outcome of a health examination conducted by doctors at RS Bhayangkara. The KPK confirms that the investigation into the alleged hajj quota corruption case remains fully active.
Gus Yaqut’s prior house arrest started on March 19, 2026, after a family request on March 17. He is accused of involvement in hajj quota corruption for 2023-2024, allegedly demanding “fee” payments from Special Hajj Organizers (PIHKs). These illicit charges reportedly inflated pilgrimage package costs for prospective pilgrims. Former Special Staff Gus Alex is also implicated and named a suspect in this corruption network.