KPK to Expand Probe into Foreigner Residency Permit Extortion Beyond Jakarta and Bali

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) will investigate other regions with high concentrations of foreign nationals (WNA) beyond Jakarta and Bali. This move is part of the ongoing investigation into an alleged extortion case related to the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals, which has implicated former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Silmy Karim.

KPK Spokesperson Budi Prasetyo stated that after targeting Jakarta and Bali, the agency will examine the processes and mechanisms for processing residence permits in other areas with a significant foreign population. “The recent sting operation took place in West Jakarta, and we then targeted Bali. Will we target other areas that are major pockets for foreign residents? We will check the process and mechanism for processing their residence permits,” Budi told reporters in Jakarta on Friday (26/6).

Budi explained that the KPK will study the patterns at immigration offices (Kanim) in various regions to further the investigation. “We will look at the patterns in those immigration offices. We will certainly target them to develop the investigation,” he said. He also expressed appreciation for the information provided by the public, which has enriched the investigative process.

The case originated from a sting operation (OTT) conducted by the KPK on 2-3 June 2026. During the operation, the team arrested 17 individuals, comprising eight state officials and nine private sector actors suspected of acting as intermediaries. Silmy Karim subsequently surrendered to the KPK on 3 June 2026. A day later, the KPK named eight people as suspects in the alleged extortion of foreign nationals’ residence permits for the 2022-2026 period. The suspects are believed to have profited up to Rp145.5 billion from the scheme.