KPK: Sting Operation at West Jakarta Immigration Linked to Bribery for Foreigner Stay Permits
The Corruption Eradancy Commission (KPK) has revealed the initial construction of the case involving the Head of the Class I Non-TPI West Jakarta Immigration Office, Ronald Arman Abdullah. The sting operation (OTT) carried out by the anti-corruption agency is closely linked to fraudulent practices in the processing of stay permits for Foreign Nationals (WNA).
KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto confirmed that the covert operation targeted alleged bribery within the licensing bureaucracy for foreigners in the West Jakarta area. “It relates to the processing for foreign nationals,” Setyo stated in Jakarta on Wednesday.
More specifically, KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo explained that the subject of the case in this sting operation involves the processing of Limited Stay Permits (KITAS) and Permanent Stay Permits (KITAP). Both documents are vital instruments for foreigners to reside and operate legally in Indonesia.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the KPK has reportedly secured dozens of individuals in a series of operations that began on Tuesday night. In addition to Ronald Arman Abdullah, the enforcement team also arrested several parties suspected of being involved in the chain of bribery.
Latest information indicates that this operation has a wide geographical scope. The KPK team is reported to be continuing field developments, including in the regions of Bali and West Java.
Investigators are currently deepening their investigation into how long the practice of illegal levies or bribery related to KITAS and KITAP has been occurring within the West Jakarta Immigration environment. Budi Prasetyo emphasised that statements from the arrested parties will serve as the entry point to determine whether this deviation is systemic.
In accordance with the Criminal Procedure Code (KUHAP), the KPK has 24 hours to determine the legal status of the detained parties, whether they will be named suspects or witnesses. This West Jakarta Immigration sting operation is recorded as the 11th sting operation conducted by the KPK throughout 2026.
The KPK seized US dollars, Singapore dollars, and precious metals during the sting operation involving the Head of West Jakarta Immigration, Ronald Arman Abdullah. Dozens of people were also detained.