Singaporean files extortion compalint

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.