Teknowarta – JAKARTA — Mellisa Anggraini, the legal counsel for Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has voiced strong disapproval regarding the court’s decision to reject her client’s pre-trial motion in the alleged 2023-2024 Hajj quota corruption case, branding it as a “bad precedent.”
Anggraini articulated her concerns following the pre-trial hearing at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. She highlighted that the sole pre-trial judge failed to adequately consider the arguments presented by her legal team and, critically, did not evaluate the quality of evidence put forth by the respondent, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
“Furthermore, there was absolutely no discussion regarding the KPK’s authority to name suspects, which is clearly stipulated in the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP) and the now-repealed KPK Law. We believe this sets a detrimental precedent concerning the application of the new KUHAP and the new Criminal Code (KUHP),” Anggraini stated, underscoring the legal complexities involved.
Related: Judge Rejects Yaqut’s Pre-trial Motion, Suspect Status Remains Valid
Drawing comparisons, Anggraini referenced similar cases in other regions, such as Penajam Paser Utara and NTT, where pre-trial motions were granted. In those instances, the court found a lack of evidence proving state losses at the time the individuals were designated as suspects, contrasting sharply with Yaqut’s current situation.
Anggraini also expressed a significant procedural anomaly concerning Yaqut’s suspect designation. She noted that her client received only a notification letter of suspect designation, rather than the formal letter of suspect designation itself.
Related: Today, Yaqut’s Pre-trial Motion Decision in Alleged Hajj Quota Corruption Case
She emphasized that the legally binding document, which outlines the rights and legal certainty of the accused, is the official suspect designation letter. Anggraini confirmed that her team has yet to receive this crucial document. Despite these reservations, she affirmed their respect for the judge’s decision, acknowledging that it was made based on specific considerations.
“Naturally, the judge has their own considerations, and we respect that,” she added, signaling a readiness to navigate the ongoing legal battle.
Related: Yaqut’s Pre-trial Hearing, Expert Criticizes KPK Law Revision on Leaders’ Authority in Investigation
Mellisa Anggraini affirmed that her team is fully prepared to proceed with the legal process and will continue to pursue all available legal avenues.
During the pre-trial hearing, the Single Judge of the South Jakarta District Court, Sulistyo Muhammad Dwi Putro, formally rejected the pre-trial motion filed by Yaqut Cholil Qoumas in the alleged 2023-2024 Hajj quota corruption case. This pivotal ruling effectively validates Yaqut’s suspect status.
“The petitioner’s pre-trial application is entirely rejected. The court costs are borne by the petitioner, amounting to nil,” Judge Sulistyo declared, confirming the full denial of the motion.
The judge dismissed all petitions from the applicant, citing a lack of permanent legal force. Concurrently, the judge also rejected the respondent’s exceptions in their entirety.
The court deliberated that the KPK’s designation of Yaqut as a suspect was based on sufficient legal evidence, thereby adhering to legal provisions.
“Considering that the Respondent designated the Petitioner as a suspect after accumulating clarity on the occurrence of a criminal act based on two pieces of evidence, namely evidence T-4 to T-117, further supported by evidence T-135 and T-136, the designation of the Petitioner as a suspect has met the legal requirements,” Judge Sulistyo elaborated, providing the basis for his decision.
Summary
The South Jakarta District Court has rejected Yaqut Cholil Qoumas’s pre-trial motion regarding his suspect status in the alleged 2023-2024 Hajj quota corruption case. His legal counsel, Mellisa Anggraini, criticized the decision as a “bad precedent,” arguing the judge did not adequately evaluate the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) evidence or discuss its authority to name suspects. Anggraini also highlighted a procedural anomaly where her client received only a notification, not a formal suspect designation letter. Despite respecting the ruling, Yaqut’s legal team affirmed their readiness to pursue all available legal avenues.
Single Judge Sulistyo Muhammad Dwi Putro validated Yaqut’s suspect status by dismissing all petitions from the applicant. The court concluded that the KPK designated Yaqut as a suspect based on sufficient legal evidence, specifically after accumulating clarity on the occurrence of a criminal act supported by multiple exhibits. This ruling confirmed that the suspect designation fully met all legal requirements.