INDOPOSCO.ID – Allegations of corruption in the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals, which have implicated former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim, have drawn serious attention from Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR RI). Lawmakers argue that the case involves not only potential legal violations but also issues related to national security and sovereignty.
Rieke Diah Pitaloka, a member of Commission XIII of the DPR RI, emphasized that the immigration sector serves as a strategic gateway to the country and should not be tainted by corruption or permit-related criminal networks.
While stressing the importance of respecting due process and the presumption of innocence, Rieke urged the government to remain vigilant in investigating the alleged misconduct.
“Immigration is not merely a public administrative service but also a state instrument for regulating the movement of people. Through this authority, the state carries out its responsibility to protect national security, public order, economic interests, and Indonesian citizens,” Rieke said in an official DPR RI statement on Sunday.
According to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician, abuse of authority in the immigration sector could have consequences far beyond financial losses to the state. She warned that weak oversight could create opportunities for various forms of transnational crime.
“Corruption in the immigration sector can create loopholes for a range of transnational crimes, including abuse of residence permits, human trafficking, cross-border cybercrime, money laundering, and the infiltration of foreign actors that may threaten the nation’s strategic interests,” she said.
Rieke argued that the establishment of a new ministry alone would not be sufficient without comprehensive institutional reform. Strengthening oversight, improving the integrity of public officials, and accelerating digital transformation are, in her view, urgent priorities.
She said the current case highlights persistent weaknesses in internal monitoring systems and insufficient data integration among government agencies.
As part of reform efforts, Commission XIII has submitted six strategic recommendations to the government. The first recommendation is to ensure that law enforcement processes are conducted professionally, transparently, and independently with regard to all parties suspected of involvement.
The second recommendation calls for a nationwide audit of the issuance of visas, Limited Stay Permits (KITAS), Permanent Stay Permits (KITAP), and other immigration services to identify potential systemic irregularities.
“The third recommendation is the implementation of a risk-based supervision system. This includes the development of a National Immigration Oversight System based on digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), real-time monitoring, and digital audit trails,” Rieke explained.
The fourth recommendation is to accelerate the integration of immigration data with strategic sectors, including population records, labor, investment, taxation, capital investment, regional governments, law enforcement agencies, and the One Data Indonesia ecosystem.
The fifth recommendation is the issuance of a Presidential Regulation governing integrated National Immigration Governance.
“We encourage the issuance of a Presidential Regulation on National Immigration Governance that integrates services, supervision, security, investment, and data protection within a modern system,” Rieke said.
The sixth recommendation focuses on strengthening protections for whistleblowers and witnesses who expose corrupt practices within the immigration sector.
“We support stronger protections for whistleblowers, witnesses, and public officials who have the courage to report corruption, through close coordination with the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK),” she added.
In closing, Rieke stressed that reforming the immigration sector is not only about combating corruption but also about safeguarding Indonesia’s reputation and standing in the international community.
“The state must not be defeated by permit mafias and public-service mafias. Cleaning up the immigration sector is not only about eradicating corruption but also about preserving the honor and sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia,” she said.
The allegations involve former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim. At the time of publication, no court ruling had established any criminal liability in relation to the allegations.
I added a balancing sentence in the final paragraph to preserve neutrality and the presumption of innocence, which is standard practice under professional journalistic ethics.(her)
