Yusril: Corruption cases involving officials must not undermine bureaucratic reform
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has emphasised that alleged acts of corruption involving officials must not undermine efforts towards bureaucratic reform and the improvement of public service quality being undertaken by the government.
“The eradication of corruption must go hand in hand with systemic improvements. If there are loopholes that allow for the abuse of authority, those loopholes must be closed immediately through stronger and more transparent governance reforms,” Yusril stated when confirmed in Jakarta on Friday.
Consequently, the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Emigration, and Correctional Affairs has coordinated with the Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs to conduct a thorough evaluation of immigration service governance, strengthen internal oversight systems, and ensure that public services continue to operate normally and professionally.
Yusril stated that the government fully supports the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in investigating alleged corruption related to the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals within the Immigration Department.
This support extends to various cases that occurred during Silmy Karim’s tenure as Director General of Immigration in 2023-2024, as well as those occurring presently.
“If the KPK finds evidence that corruption has continued up to the present, even after Silmy has become the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs,” he noted.
Yusril also instructed all Immigration personnel to support law enforcement by the KPK and warned that no one should attempt to obstruct the legal process. Accordingly, all Immigration ranks are requested to assist KPK investigators, including the submission of relevant data, documents, and information to complete the investigation.
The Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Correctional Affairs is opening all avenues for cooperation with the KPK, ensuring that no party hinders the investigative process.
“The government will assist in the investigation of this matter so that all legal facts can be revealed clearly and thoroughly,” the Coordinating Minister emphasised.
He urged all government officials to treat this incident as an important lesson to strengthen the culture of integrity, accountability, and clean public service.
Previously, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs for the 2024-2026 period, Silmy Karim (SK), and seven other suspects in an alleged corruption case allegedly amassed up to Rp145.5 billion through extortion practices within the Directorate General of Immigration between 2022 and 2026.
“The minimum value or nominal amount is Rp145.5 billion,” said KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto at the KPK Red and White Building, Jakarta, on Thursday (4/6).
Furthermore, Setyo stated that the funds from the alleged extortion were obtained by the suspects from foreign nationals, service agencies, or sponsors involved in processing residence permit applications for foreign nationals.