Immigration Disables Officials Named as KPK Suspects, Ensures Optimal Public Services
Hendarsam Marantoko stated, “We respect the law enforcement and corruption eradication efforts undertaken by our colleagues at the KPK. As of today, employees undergoing the examination process have been deactivated. We have taken this step so that the individuals concerned can focus on undergoing the legal process properly, while also ensuring that public services remain optimal.”
The Directorate General of Immigration also immediately filled the vacancies in the affected positions. Acting officers (Plh) have been appointed to fill the vacant posts.
“We have appointed Acting Officers to immediately fill the positions of technical officials currently undergoing the legal process. This change was made instantly to ensure there is no stagnation in decision-making or the execution of duties in the field,” said Hendarsam.
He added that the Directorate General of Immigration understands the public concerns arising regarding the impact of this situation on public services. Therefore, comprehensive internal strengthening was immediately carried out so that the public’s rights to obtain immigration services are not disrupted.
“We apologise for the inconvenience arising from this situation. However, we assure all elements of society, including foreign nationals, that immigration services continue to run normally and optimally. Digital-based service systems as well as face-to-face services are confirmed to be operating as usual without any delays,” said Hendarsam.
He also instructed his staff to evaluate and tighten the service quality assurance system. Hendarsam requested that the procedures for issuing residence permits be implemented in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 22 of 2023 in conjunction with the Regulation of the Minister of Law and Human Rights Number 11 of 2024 concerning Visas and Residence Permits.
A limited stay permit (ITAS) can be granted to foreign nationals holding a limited stay visa, who will directly obtain an electronic ITAS (e-ITAS) after arriving in Indonesia and passing through immigration checks. Meanwhile, for residence permits obtained through a change of status, the process requires the foreign national to have a biometric photograph taken at the immigration office according to their domicile.
After the photo process is completed, 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 when the application is received, plus three working days at the Immigration Office after the photograph is taken.
“I have instructed the staff to strengthen the internal supervision system at every level. The existing immigration service system must also be supervised strictly and meticulously. All procedures, especially those concerning public services, must be carried out straightforwardly, transparently, and in full compliance with the prevailing laws and regulations,” stressed Hendarsam.
He is committed to improving the digital system for issuing residence permits so that the application process becomes more transparent and can be monitored by all parties. As a preventive measure, Immigration will also soon launch a public communication campaign targeting sponsors and foreign nationals to educate them about official procedures and the completion timeline according to the applicable standard operating procedures.
“If members of the public encounter unreasonable delays or face attempted extortion and demands for gratuities to facilitate the service process, they should immediately report such individuals through the official complaints channel of the Directorate General of Immigration by attaching strong evidence so that we can follow up,” said Hendarsam.
The KPK previously detained eight individuals resulting from a sting operation at the West Jakarta Immigration Office. One of those detained was the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Silmy Karim.