KPK Alleges Widespread Extortion Scheme Targeting Foreign Nationals in Immigration Office
Jakarta. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday disclosed details of what it described as a systemic and widespread corruption scheme within the Directorate General of Immigration that allegedly targeted foreign nationals seeking residency permits in Indonesia.
The investigation implicates several senior immigration officials, including Deputy Immigration and Corrections Minister Silmy Karim.
According to KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo, the alleged scheme generated hundreds of billions of rupiah through extortion involving foreign nationals applying for limited stay permits (KITAS) and permanent stay permits (KITAP).
Budi said the alleged extortion had been taking place for years, including during the period when Silmy served as director general of immigration between 2023 and 2024.
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Deputy Immigration Minister Silmy Karim Detained in Foreign Residency Permit Corruption CaseIn addition to Silmy, the KPK has named seven other suspects, including West Java regional immigration office chief Jaya Saputra, West Jakarta Immigration Office head Ronald Arman Abdullah, and former Immigration Director General Saffar Muhammad Godam.
Silmy surrendered to investigators on Wednesday night after the KPK announced the arrest of 17 individuals and said it was seeking his whereabouts during coordinated operations conducted at multiple locations.
“Based on the evidence obtained, the KPK has named eight people as suspects, while 10 others currently remain witnesses and have been released. One of the suspects, identified by the initials SK, served as director general of immigration during the 2023-2024 period,” Budi said, referring to Silmy.
He added that investigators are still calculating the total losses linked to the alleged scheme.
“We will disclose the figures in a press conference later. The amount reaches hundreds of billions of rupiah,” Budi said.
Investigators are also tracing how long the alleged extortion scheme operated and identifying individuals who may have benefited from the flow of funds.
According to Budi, the number of suspects could increase as the investigation develops.
The KPK has searched multiple offices and residences to secure documents, electronic evidence, and financial transaction records related to the alleged corruption scheme.
Authorities also seized cash denominated in rupiah, US dollars, and Singapore dollars during the raids.
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