Yaqut Imprisoned, Banser Shout: KPK Is Cruel!

DETIK NEWS | JAKARTA — Former Minister of Religious Affairs for the 2020-2024 period, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, has finally been detained by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

Yaqut Cholil Qoumas' detention by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prompted some members of the Barisan Ansor Serbaguna (Banser) to hold a demonstration in front of the KPK building in South Jakarta on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

Banser members at the scene shouted protests, calling the KPK cruel, as Yaqut was escorted to a detention van wearing his new orange uniform after undergoing questioning.

According to reporters at the demonstration, the crowd began chanting "KPK is cruel" as Yaqut emerged from the questioning room wearing an orange detention vest.

After Yaqut entered the detention van, the Banser continued their protest. Several people were seen burning shirts bearing the KPK logo as a form of protest against the detention.

Furthermore, some of the protesters also shook the fence of the KPK building and attempted to force their way into the interior. However, other Banser members managed to quell the protest, who attempted to calm the situation.

Police officers on duty at the scene also provided security and helped control the crowd to maintain order.

During the previous legal process, Yaqut filed a pretrial motion against the KPK's suspect status. However, the motion was rejected by the South Jakarta District Court.

Sole Judge Sulistyo Muhamad Dwi Putro stated that the KPK's suspect status was in accordance with applicable procedures and legal provisions.

"Rejecting the applicant's pretrial motion in its entirety," said the judge, while reading out the ruling for pretrial motion No. 19/Pid.Pra/2026/PN JKT.SEL at the South Jakarta District Court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (*)