MAKI’s Satirical ‘Award’ to KPK Over Yaqut’s House Arrest – KPK Responds

Jakarta – The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has responded positively to a satirical “award” sent by the Indonesia Anti-Corruption Society (MAKI) regarding the temporary designation of former Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas as a house arrest detainee. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated the commission views the gesture as a valid expression of public opinion.

“KPK views this as a form of public expression that we receive positively. As a law enforcement agency, KPK is always open to various criticisms, suggestions and constructive input in the effort to combat corruption,” Prasetyo told reporters on Tuesday.

The satirical award, delivered as a banner to KPK headquarters, was a response to the decision to grant Yaqut house arrest status while under investigation for alleged corruption related to hajj pilgrimage quotas. MAKI Coordinator Boyamin Saiman described the banner as recognizing a “record” for granting house arrest to a prominent individual.

“Today I sent five banners of award certificates to the KPK. Congratulations on breaking the record, namely the transfer of house arrest from MORI, the Museum of Real Indonesian People. A special person,” Saiman said, according to reports.

Saiman indicated the award was intended as a reminder to the KPK, arguing the decision to allow Yaqut house arrest drew widespread public criticism. He claimed social media and news commentary overwhelmingly opposed the move.

“And that’s similarly a reminder to the KPK not to play with public sentiment. The public is too smart, not just MAKI. Just check, is there any social media that supports the KPK’s actions? No. Comments in the news also don’t exist,” Saiman stated.

According to Saiman, the decision to grant house arrest represents a departure from standard KPK practice, typically reserved for cases involving illness. He further argued the decision created a discriminatory situation, potentially prompting other detainees to demand similar treatment.

“If then someone has been detained and is healthy and then the detention is transferred to house arrest, this creates discrimination and damages the system. Because everyone will ask for the same thing and also from the most important side, Gus Alex, who is also being detained with the same case, was not transferred either,” Saiman said.

The KPK initially designated Yaqut for house arrest on March 19, citing a request from his family. However, on Monday, March 23, the KPK reversed its decision and returned Yaqut to KPK detention following a series of health assessments. Despite Yaqut’s return to detention, Saiman maintained the banner was still necessary as a reminder to the KPK to avoid similar missteps in the future.

“Even though YCQ has returned to KPK custody, the banner is still needed because the event of transferring YCQ’s house arrest has occurred so that it is intended as a reminder for the KPK not to repeat unnecessary blunders that damage corruption eradication in the future,” Saiman said.