Singaporean files extortion compalint

Multa Fidrus, Tangerang

At least four immigration officers at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport could face sanctions after a Singaporean woman filed a complaint accusing them of attempted extortion.

The head of immigration at the airport, Guntoro Hermanuadi, confirmed on Thursday that a complaint had been filed against a number of officers.

"I will take stern measures against those officers after I question them. They must not ask for money for any services they provide to foreigners. It's really a shame," he said without going into detail on the possible sanctions the officers could face.

Guntoro said he had made efforts to improve immigration services at the airport, but incidents of extortion continued to occur.

"I am tired of reports of (officers) asking for money from foreigners. This must not happen in the future. Immigration officers must follow the regulations ...," he said.

The report was filed by Singaporean Nadira Surattee, 44, who was not allowed to depart for Singapore on Wednesday because her reentry permit had expired.

An officer at an immigration checkpoint in Terminal E directed the woman to his superior, identified only as Romi, to extend the permit.

"Romi and three other officers inside the room told me to extend my permit at the South Jakarta Immigration Office because I live in the area," she said.

Surattee asked if there was a special permit she could obtain at the airport, because her father was sick and it was urgent that she get to Singapore.

"They asked me to pay US$300 for a special permit. And then they asked me for some money for themselves," she said.

When she said that she could only give them Rp 300,000 ($34.70), they instructed her to go to the South Jakarta Immigration Office.

The woman was able to extend her reentry permit on Thursday for Rp 700,000 at the immigration office.

"I told them that I would tell the newspapers about their treatment of me. Many of my friends have had the same experience," Surattee said.