Many visitors to Indonesia have encountered not only the country’s positive aspects but also issues like corruption among officials. Recently, 71 immigration officers at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport were dismissed due to illegal fees (extortion) targeting foreign travelers, particularly those arriving from China.
The sanctioned personnel included:
• 1 Department Head
• 1 Division Chief
• 1 Section Chief
• 5 Inspection Supervisors
• 23 Inspectors
• 40 Officers
These dismissed employees are still under investigation by the Directorate General of Internal Oversight and the Inspectorate General of the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Institutions.
The extortion scheme came to light after the Chinese Embassy issued a diplomatic note detailing complaints from Chinese citizens about being forced to pay illegal fees by immigration officers at the airport.
Between February 2024 and January 2025, there were 44 reported cases affecting 60 Chinese nationals, with a total of IDR 32,750,000 in illicit charges. The stolen money has since been returned to the victims.
The introduction of automated gates (auto-gates) at Bali and Jakarta airports marks a significant step in reducing extortion risks. These self-service passport control systems allow passengers to pass through without direct interaction with immigration officers, minimizing opportunities for corruption.
By improving transparency and efficiency, these upgrades speed up border control procedures and enhance Indonesia’s reputation among tourists and business travelers.
Sources: antara
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