Former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Moved to House Arrest in Hajj Quota Corruption Case

Jakarta – Former Indonesian Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas has been transferred to house arrest from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) detention center, just seven days after being detained in connection with a corruption case involving the management of Hajj quotas. The move, which occurred on Thursday, March 19, 2026, was confirmed by the KPK on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

Details of the Case and Detention

Qoumas was initially detained on Thursday, March 12, 2026, as a suspect in the alleged Hajj quota and pilgrimage corruption case. The KPK initiated an investigation on August 9, 2025, into alleged irregularities in determining quotas and organizing the 2023–2024 Hajj pilgrimage. Investigators estimate potential state losses exceeding Rp1 trillion (US$57 million) [1].

Prior to his detention, travel bans were imposed on three individuals, including Qoumas. He and his aide, Ishfah Abidal Aziz, were formally named suspects in January 2026. Qoumas challenged this designation in court, but his pretrial motion was rejected by the South Jakarta District Court on March 11, 2026 [2].

The State Audit Board later reported financial losses of Rp622 billion (US$35 million) [3], highlighting the scale of the alleged corruption within one of Indonesia’s most sensitive religious programs.

Shift to House Arrest

The KPK has not provided a detailed explanation for the transfer to house arrest, stating only that it was a temporary measure and complied with legal procedures. KPK spokesman Budi Prasetyo confirmed the change in detention status on Saturday, March 21, 2026 [4]. He clarified that the decision was not related to Qoumas’s health but was made following a request from his family.

Reactions and Ongoing Investigation

The transfer of Qoumas to house arrest was initially revealed by the wife of former Deputy Minister of Manpower Immanuel Ebenezer, Silvia Rinita Harefa, during a visit to the KPK Detention Center on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Other KPK detainees expressed surprise at the move, questioning the reasons behind it.

Qoumas maintains his innocence, stating he has not personally profited from the alleged scheme and that his policies were intended to ensure the safety of pilgrims [2].

The investigation remains ongoing, with the KPK having previously searched several locations, including Qoumas’s residence and the offices of the Religious Affairs Ministry [4]. Investigators seized documents, electronic evidence, and assets believed to be connected to the case.