Directorate General of Immigration Enhances Digital System for Foreign National Stay Permit Issuance
The Directorate General of Immigration is committed to enhancing the digital system for issuing stay permits for foreign nationals, ensuring the application process is more transparent and can be monitored by all parties. This commitment represents a tactical measure by the directorate following the arrest and detention of several immigration officials in connection with irregularities in foreign nationals’ stay permits, which are being investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).
“I have instructed all levels to strengthen the internal supervision system at every line. The existing immigration service system must also be supervised strictly and meticulously,” said Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko in a statement in Jakarta on Friday. Hendarsam requested that his entire staff carry out stay permit issuance procedures in accordance with Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 22 of 2023 in conjunction with Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 11 of 2024 concerning Visas and Stay Permits.
For stay permits obtained through a status transfer, the process requires the foreign national to have their photograph taken at the immigration office corresponding to their domicile. After the photo process is complete, the issuance of the ITAS at the Immigration Office takes three working days. However, if the application requires approval from the Directorate General of Immigration, the completion time is five working days from the date the application is received, plus three working days at the Immigration Office after the photograph is taken. “All procedures, especially those concerning public services, must be carried out honestly, transparently, and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations,” he affirmed.
As a preventive measure, Immigration is also set to launch a public communication campaign targeting sponsors and foreign nationals to educate them about official procedures and the completion timeline in accordance with the applicable Standard Operating Procedure. “If the public encounters unreasonable delays or faces extortion attempts and demands for gratuities to expedite the service process, immediately report the individuals involved through the official complaint channel of the Directorate General of Immigration, attaching strong evidence so we can follow up,” Hendarsam stressed.