Immigration Case: Public Service Extortion Still Occurs

Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) has labeled the alleged corruption involving the processing of foreign resident permits as proof that extortion in public services remains a systemic issue within the country. Wana Alamsyah, Head of the Legal and Investigation Division at ICW, stated that the involvement of a deputy minister and other staff in the case demonstrates that extortion is not only occurring but is deeply embedded within the bureaucracy.

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The involvement of the deputy minister down to staff in the alleged corruption case of processing foreign national residence permits proves that public service extortion is still happening, even structurally and systemically.

ICW points to a common modus operandi in bureaucratic extortion, particularly concerning permit applications. This often involves making it difficult for applicants to access services, intentionally delaying the issuance of permits, or creating artificial obstacles. These tactics pressure applicants into making illegal payments to expedite their requests. "This is a sign of government failure in improving the permit system in Indonesia," Wana remarked.

Alamsyah expressed concern that the internal oversight mechanisms, such as the Inspectorate General, have failed to prevent such extortion within the Ministry of Immigration. He suspects that power imbalances and the fear of retaliation against auditors contribute to this failure. Consequently, ICW urges the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) to summon the Inspector General of the Ministry of Immigration to understand why these issues were not addressed internally.

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This is a sign of government failure in improving the permit system in Indonesia.

ICW views this case as an opportunity for the government to thoroughly review and audit all permit processes, not just those related to foreign residents. Alamsyah fears similar problems may exist in other sectors. He also called on the KPK to apply money laundering charges, as the recipients of illicit funds could be considered passive perpetrators. Furthermore, ICW requested the KPK to summon all individuals involved in processing foreign resident permits since 2019, following findings by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) of suspicious fund flows totaling Rp 366.7 billion across 96 bank accounts belonging to 35 immigration officials.

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Because there is a potential for the owner of the account receiving the proceeds of the crime to become a passive perpetrator.

ICW also emphasized the importance of using the report on state officials' wealth (LHKPN) as an early warning system for identifying unjustified increases in wealth. Alamsyah noted a significant increase in the reported wealth of Deputy Minister Silmy Karim, amounting to Rp 5 billion between 2024 and 2025. The KPK has named Silmy Karim and seven other immigration officials as suspects in the extortion case.

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Because there has been an increase in unjustified wealth owned by Silmy Karim reaching Rp 5 billion in 2024-2025.