Immigration Sting in West Jakarta: Directorate General of Immigration Respects KPK Legal Process
The Directorate General of Immigration has stated its position of respecting the ongoing legal process regarding the sting operation (OTT) conducted by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) within the West Jakarta Immigration Office environment. The Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, emphasised that his department is currently awaiting official statements from the anti-corruption agency.
“Regarding the sting operation carried out by the KPK, in principle, we respect it and are waiting for the release from the KPK,” Hendarsam stated when confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday.
During the operation, the KPK reportedly detained dozens of individuals, including the Head of the Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office of West Jakarta, Ronald Arman Abdullah. Despite the arrest of a high-ranking official, Hendarsam guaranteed that immigration services for the public in the West Jakarta area would not be disrupted. He explained that daily operations have been taken over by the Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration for DKI Jakarta to ensure that public service functions remain optimal.
The KPK Spokesperson, Budi Prasetyo, revealed that the operation involves several Civil Servants (ASN) from the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Services as well as private parties. The enforcement action began on Tuesday night. Budi also disclosed that KPK investigative teams are currently active in the field to expand investigations to other regions outside Jakarta, including Bali and West Java.
In accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has 24 hours to determine the legal status of the parties caught in the operation. The sting at the West Jakarta Immigration Office is recorded as the 11th sting operation conducted by the KPK so far in 2026. The KPK has seized US dollars, Singapore dollars, and precious metals during the operation involving Ronald Arman Abdullah. The investigation pertains to alleged bribery related to the processing of stay permits (KITAS/KITAP) for foreign nationals.