Yusril Guarantees Government Will Not Obstruct KPK's Immigration Corruption Probe
Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, has asserted that the government is providing full support for the Corruption Eradication Commission’s (KPK) efforts to investigate alleged corruption in the immigration sector. Several names have been implicated in the immigration sting operation, namely Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim, the Head of the West Jakarta Class I Special Immigration Office, and a number of officials within the Directorate General of Immigration.
Yusril expressed concern over the findings. According to him, these corrupt practices present a serious challenge amidst President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to cleaning up the bureaucracy. “The government is very concerned about this incident. At a time when we are aggressively promoting a clean government, corrupt practices in the immigration sector are still being found. This is a tough challenge for us to tighten supervision and enforce the law without exception,” Yusril said via his statement on Thursday (4/6/2026).
Based on initial findings, Yusril clarified that the alleged corruption offences attributed to Silmy Karim occurred between 2023 and 2024. During that period, Silmy was still serving as Director General of Immigration. Thus, Yusril stressed that this matter is unrelated to Silmy’s current capacity or new position as Deputy Minister.
To ensure the investigation proceeds smoothly, Yusril has instructed Silmy Karim and all immigration personnel summoned by the KPK to be compliant and cooperative during examinations. “We assure you the government will not obstruct the legal process. We are opening the door to the widest possible coordination and are ready to assist KPK investigators if they require additional data or information. Let us wait and see how this process unfolds,” Yusril asserted.
The case currently underway at the KPK is known to relate to alleged illegal levies and bureaucratic manipulation in the acceleration of issuing Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) and Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP), particularly for foreign workers. Several individuals allegedly charged unofficial fees outside the regulations to expedite immigration documents. Under the Corruption Eradication Law, the act of unilaterally charging fees not deposited into the state treasury falls under the category of extortion.
Responding to the situation, Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, immediately implemented a total reform of the immigration service system. The Ministry has now officially abolished all paid acceleration schemes outside standard procedures, including the practice of a 1-2 day fast-track with illegal tariffs. All immigration services must now run according to standard operating procedures (SOP). Operational costs are guaranteed to be transparent and must be fully deposited into the state treasury as Non-Tax State Revenue (PNBP) to close future avenues for extortion.