Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Returns to Use the KPK Orange Vest After the House Detention Controversy
JAKARTA - The public was again shocked when Yaqut Cholil Qoumas appeared with the orange vest typical of the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prisoners. This marks a new chapter in the controversy over his detention status which had turned into house arrest.
The former Minister of Religion (Menag) is a suspect in the corruption case of determining quotas and organizing the 2023-2024 Hajj. He will again undergo a period of detention at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Detention House (Rutan) on Tuesday, March 24, after being a house prisoner.
From the observation at the location, Yaqut was seen at the KPK Red and White building, Kuningan Persada, South Jakarta at around 10.33 WIB using a prisoner car. In addition to wearing an orange KPK prisoner vest, he was also seen handcuffed and accompanied by two prison guards.
House Detention Family Request
Yaqut had spoken about the transfer of his status as a prisoner. According to him, the family had filed a complaint with the KPK.
"Yes, alhamdulilah I can bow to my mother, to my mother. (Change the status of the prisoner based on, ed) our request," said Yaqut before being dragged into the anti-corruption commission's office to undergo an examination first.
Yaqut has been under house arrest since Thursday, March 19. Meanwhile, the family's request was submitted on March 17 or five days after being detained on Thursday, March 12.
The change in status from prison to house arrest was claimed by the KPK to have been reviewed and in accordance with Article 108 paragraph (1) and (11) of Law Number 20 of 2025 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code.
Article 108 paragraph (11) regulates that the transfer of type of detention can be carried out based on an investigation order which is given to the suspect, the suspect's family, and the interested parties.
As previously reported, Yaqut has been under house arrest since Thursday, March 19. Meanwhile, the family's request was submitted on March 17 or five days after being detained on Thursday, March 12.
The change in status from prison to house arrest was claimed by the KPK to have been reviewed and in accordance with Article 108 paragraph (1) and (11) of Law Number 20 of 2025 concerning the Criminal Procedure Code.
Article 108 paragraph (11) regulates that the transfer of type of detention can be carried out based on an investigation order which is given to the suspect, the suspect's family, and the interested parties.
Yaqut's Status Disbanded by Noel's Wife
As previously reported, Immanuel Ebenezer's wife, Silvia Rinita Harefa, revealed that Yaqut Cholil Qoumas was not at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Detention House (Rutan) since Thursday evening, March 19.
This was conveyed by Silvia after visiting her husband who is currently undergoing trial related to alleged extortion regarding safety and security certification (K3) at the Ministry of Manpower (Kemenaker).
"At first, I didn't see Gus Yaqut. The information said he would leave Thursday night," Silvia told reporters, Saturday, March 21.
Silvia admitted that Noel told him about Yaqut who was unknown. "Everyone knows about it. They just ask, he said there was an examination, but it's impossible that before the night of the prayer there was an examination like that," he said.
"Until today, (former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yaqut, ed) there is none," he continued.
Yaqut was also not seen when the KPK held an Idulfitri prayer for prisoners of Islamic faith on Saturday, March 21. In fact, the former staff, especially, Ishfah Abidal Azis, who is also a suspect in the haj quota corruption case, was seen participating in the worship activity.