Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) clarified in Jakarta on Sunday (22/3/2026) that former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has been transferred to house arrest regarding a massive haj quota graft case, denying rumors that the decision was based on medical grounds.

"The transfer was not due to illness, but rather followed a formal request submitted by the suspect's family which we then processed," said KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo during a press briefing, as reported by antaranews.com.

Media reports revealed other detainees’ families noting Yaqut’s absence during Eid al-Fitr prayers at the KPK detention center. Yaqut, who was named a suspect on 9 January 2026, for alleged corruption in the 2023 and 2024 haj quota administration, was moved from the holding cell on 19 March 2026 after his pretrial motion was rejected.

State auditors estimate the corruption scandal resulted in state losses totaling Rp 622 billion. While Yaqut remains under strict KPK surveillance, officials emphasized that the house arrest status is temporary and subject to ongoing evaluation as the investigation into the ministry’s procurement practices continues.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)