ICW Pushes for Money Laundering Charges in Immigration Corruption Case

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) is pressing the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to apply money laundering charges in the ongoing investigation into alleged extortion of foreigners within the Directorate General of Immigration. ICW researcher Wana Alamsyah emphasized that employing the money laundering pasal (law) is crucial for uncovering the ultimate beneficiaries of illicit funds, particularly those who own accounts used to stash proceeds from criminal activities.

Alamsyah called on the KPK to utilize the State Officials' Wealth Report (LHKPN) to trace other officials potentially involved. This initiative stems from a report by the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), which identified suspicious fund flows amounting to Rp 366.7 billion across 96 bank accounts held by 35 immigration officials. ICW insists the KPK must summon all individuals involved in processing foreigner residency permits since 2019.

The KPK has already designated eight suspects in the alleged bribery and extortion scheme concerning immigration documents for foreigners, particularly for Permanent and Limited Stay Permits (KITAP and KITAS). Among the accused is Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs Silmy Karim. KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo indicated that the total amount collected from these illicit practices is substantial, reaching hundreds of billions of rupiah.

In addition to Silmy Karim, other named suspects include former Acting Director General of Immigration for 2024-2025 Saffar Muhammad Godam, Head of the West Java Immigration Office Jaya Saputra, and Head of Class I Special Non-TPI Immigration Office Jakarta Barat Ronald Arman Abdullah. Four other immigration officials and employees are also implicated. The KPK is prosecuting the case under Article 12 letter e of the Anti-Corruption Law for alleged extortion and Article 12B for gratuities.