Coordinating Minister Yusril reveals widespread illegal levies within bureaucracy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has revealed that various irregularities, including illegal levies (pungli), continue to be perpetrated by bureaucratic ranks in various locations. Yusril stated that this information is based on reports received from the public.
“This is an important piece of input, especially after the KPK has uncovered alleged criminal acts of corruption, occurring both in 2023-2024 and currently,” Yusril said in a video statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday.
He shared the latest information received from the KPK regarding corruption cases being investigated within the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs (Imipas). He added that these cases were not limited to the 2023-2024 period when Silmy Karim served as the Director General of Immigration, but have continued into the present, even as he now serves as the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs.
The Coordinating Minister emphasised that all such matters must be clearly and thoroughly uncovered by the KPK, in accordance with its authority as an independent institution responsible for the investigation, prosecution, and litigation of corruption.
“I am continuously monitoring the progress of the investigation into alleged corruption within the Immigration ranks, specifically at the West Jakarta Immigration Office, which is being investigated by the KPK,” he noted.
According to him, this case serves as a critical moment for his ministry to implement reforms across the entire Immigration apparatus. Consequently, Yusril has ordered all Immigration officials to cooperate fully with the KPK by providing all necessary data and information to ensure nothing is concealed.
“There is also the possibility of inspections in other locations to ensure all cases are brought to light, so that we can implement better reforms in the future,” Yusril stated.
Previously, the KPK revealed that the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs for the 2024-2026 period, Silmy Karim (SK), and seven suspects in a corruption case allegedly amassed up to Rp145.5 billion through suspected extortion practices within the Directorate General of Immigration between 2022 and 2026.
“The minimum value or nominal amount is at least Rp145.5 billion,” stated KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto at the KPK Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Thursday (4/6).
Furthermore, Setyo stated that the funds from the alleged extortion were obtained by the suspects from foreign nationals, travel agencies, or sponsors involved in processing stay permit applications for foreign nationals.