Indonesia is investigating a major case involving illegal payments within the immigration service. It concerns documents for foreign nationals, including temporary and permanent residence permits (ITAS and KITAS).
Among the eight suspects is Silmy Karim, the deputy minister responsible for immigration and correctional institutions. After the investigation began, President Prabowo Subianto dismissed him from his post.
The scheme operated from 2022 to 2026. Foreign nationals were charged extra fees on top of the official rates for processing applications. According to investigators, each application had its own price. The money was collected through proxy accounts. Investigators estimate the total amount at no less than 145.5 billion rupiah.
The authorities have also highlighted paid fast-track processing. According to Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Institutions, there was a “fast track” within the immigration service for temporary and permanent residence permits.
Documents that should normally have taken 4–5 days to process could be completed in 1–3 days for an additional fee. According to Yusril, this fast-track route no longer exists. All applications must now go through the standard procedure, and payments must go to the state treasury.
The authorities say that money paid for the former fast-track service did not go into the state budget. As a result, these payments are being treated as extortion or illegal gratuities.
The extra fees were collected not only directly from foreign nationals, but also through agents, service companies and sponsors who helped process the documents.
All eight suspects have been detained until 23 June. The case also involves a former acting head of immigration, the director responsible for stay permits, and several employees of units linked to changes in document status.
Investigators searched Silmy Karim’s home in South Jakarta. The commission said it was looking for additional evidence. Cars, motorbikes, money in bank accounts, foreign currency and crypto assets have already been seized in the case. The total value of the seized assets is around 17.5 billion rupiah.
Employees under investigation have been temporarily suspended. Acting officials have been appointed in their place so that immigration services can continue to operate.
Sources: nasional.kompas.com, antaranews.com
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