MAKI Criticizes KPK Over Yaqut’s House Arrest: Discrimination Claimed
Indonesia’s Commission for the Eradication of Corruption (KPK) is facing criticism from the Society for Anti-Corruption Indonesia (MAKI) over its decision to move former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas to house arrest. MAKI alleges a lack of transparency in the shift of Yaqut’s detention status, raising concerns about potential discrimination and systemic issues within the KPK.
“The main problem now with the transfer of Gus Yaqut’s house arrest is exceptionally disappointing to us all. First, there was no announcement,” stated MAKI Coordinator Boyamin Saiman to reporters on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
The information regarding Yaqut’s absence from KPK detention first came to light through Silvia Rinita Harefa, the wife of former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer (Noel), after she visited Noel during the Eid al-Fitr holiday on Saturday, March 21st.
Silvia learned from her husband that Yaqut had not been seen in detention since Thursday, March 19th. The KPK subsequently confirmed that Yaqut had been placed under house arrest. Boyamin Saiman emphasized that the lack of public disclosure regarding this change violates the KPK’s principle of transparency, as outlined in its governing law.
The controversy surrounding Yaqut’s case highlights ongoing concerns about the fairness and consistency of the KPK’s procedures, particularly regarding the treatment of high-profile suspects. MAKI is urging the KPK to address these concerns and restore public trust in its commitment to combating corruption.
Boyamin Saiman also pointed to the timing of the shift to house arrest, occurring shortly before Eid al-Fitr. He suggested this could lead the public to believe the decision was made to allow Yaqut to celebrate the holiday outside of detention.
“The KPK has never granted suspension of detention or transfer to house arrest unless for medical reasons. This sudden claim of non-illness and suspension, especially before Eid, creates a perception of discrimination. Others are detained while Gus Yaqut is transferred to house arrest as if to allow him to celebrate Eid,” Saiman stated.
He further contrasted the treatment of Yaqut with the case of former Papua Governor Lukas Enembe. Saiman noted that Enembe’s family had requested he not be held in detention due to illness, but the KPK denied the request and Enembe ultimately died while in custody. This disparity, according to MAKI, underscores a double standard in the KPK’s application of its own rules.
KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that Yaqut has been under house arrest since Thursday, March 19th. However, the KPK has not provided a clear explanation for the change in Yaqut’s detention status, stating only that the house arrest is temporary. Prasetyo also clarified that the decision was not based on Yaqut’s health, but rather on a request from his family.
The KPK approved the request without providing further details regarding the reasons behind the family’s petition. This lack of transparency has fueled criticism from MAKI and raised questions about the KPK’s accountability and adherence to due process.
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