Immigration Officials Arrested by KPK, Allegedly Extorted Billions from Chinese Nationals

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has conducted a sting operation (OTT) against several immigration officials since Tuesday night (2/6/2026). The case involves alleged extortion related to the processing of Temporary Stay Permits (KITAS) within the Directorate General of Immigration under the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs (Imipas).

“It is true, there was a sting operation,” stated KPK Deputy Chairman Fitroh Rohcahyanto to journalists on Wednesday morning. As of now, the KPK has not released specific details regarding the identities or the chronology of the case, though it is suspected to involve bribery transactions related to the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals.

Under the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has 24 hours to determine the legal status of those detained during the operation. Information obtained suggests that one of those arrested is the Head of the West Jakarta Class I Immigration Office, although the alleged offences occurred while the individual was serving in Central Jakarta. Additionally, two officials from the Directorate General of Immigration were apprehended by the KPK last night.

The case involves alleged extortion of several foreign nationals, predominantly from China, dating back to 2024. The illicit funds collected are estimated to reach approximately Rp 30 billion. A portion of these funds was allegedly kept by the officials, while another portion was reportedly distributed to other high-ranking immigration officials.

The Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Commissioner General Agus Andrianto, has addressed the news regarding the KPK operation targeting West Jakarta immigration staff. Agus stated that he respects the ongoing legal process. “We respect the legal process currently underway; our direction is clear,” Agus told Republika on Wednesday (3/6/2026). He urged the public to await further updates from the KPK, as the agency is leading the investigation.