When I try this link it comes back as Error 403. I also tried the Jakarta Globe with the same result. Then tried using a VPN to relocate in different places but still no access. One wonders if this is the results of a deliberate blocking activity or just my computer incompetence. Probably the latter. So, Balifrog can you post a summary, please?
The link still works for me
Thank you.
A few minutes ago I saw a news story about that "black mailing scandal" : my previous thoughts were that 10+ years ago the Immigration Department had embarked on a path of "reforms" with "integrity & transparency", so I am quite surprised to learn about the heights of that scandal and that it carried on for that period of time "4+ years" without the general public being informed by any credible media outlet ("free press") in this nationThis is a more detail case from Silmy Karim Ex-Deputy minister and Director General of Immigration
Cara Peras WNA ala Silmy Karim: Rekening OB Dipakai, “Malaikat” Jadi Kode Rahasia
Baca selengkapnya: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/06/05/06164351/cara-peras-wna-ala-silmy-karim-rekening-ob-dipakai-malaikat-jadi-kode?utm_campaign=yo...www.youtube.com
Here is the Key detail what what he and his group were doing:
The Scheme: The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) revealed that residence permit applications for foreign nationals (WNA) were intentionally delayed or rejected to force applicants to pay extortion fees. This practice allegedly took place while Silmy Karim served as the Director General of Immigration (2023–2024).
Using Fake Accounts: To conceal the illegal money trail, the suspects avoided using their personal bank accounts. Instead, they utilized dozens of nominee accounts registered under the names of low-level staff, including office boys (OB) and cleaning service workers.
Angel Code Name: The syndicate used specific code words to conduct their operations, notably using the term "Malaikat" (Angel) as a secret code to refer to top immigration officials receiving a cut of the money.
Massive Financial Scale: The KPK estimates that the extortion ring amassed at least IDR 145.5 billion between 2022 and 2026. Out of this total, Silmy Karim himself is alleged to have received a routine weekly payout of IDR 100 million every Friday.
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.This is just my personal opinion. I think they know the difference between foreigners or employers who need stay permits for their employees to work in Indonesia and foreigners who have been living in Indonesia for many years, especially those on a wni spouse-sponsored visa.A few minutes ago I saw a news story about that "black mailing scandal" : my previous thoughts were that 10+ years ago the Immigration Department had embarked on a path of "reforms" with "integrity & transparency", so I am quite surprised to learn about the heights of that scandal and that it carried on for that period of time "4+ years" without the general public being informed by any credible media outlet ("free press") in this nation
My experiences since arriving in Jakarta 17 years ago : only 17 years ago did I pay a 'credible' "immigration" agent to process my first resident visa application and I only had to pay the "legal" immigration fees published at that time.
Since that time I have processed all my resident visa applications by myself, and never was I asked to pay "additional fees" (bribes) to immigration officers to process or approve my applications.
Related to the period of time mentioned in that scandal ("between 2022 and 2026") : 2 years ago I did the application for my "lifetime" ITAP which I handled in person at the Tangerang Immigration Office, and I experienced no delays, and no "special" requests, with the approval of that application
Also a few minutes ago I read this excellent opinion piece about that scandal : https://nasional.kompas.com/read/20...im--ketika-pintu-negara-menjadi-loket-setoran
www.cnbcindonesia.com
"The issue may have come to light recently after the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry submitted an official letter to the President concerning illegal levies...." I missed this or would have responded earlier. Ironic to see the Chinese Chamber of Commerce complaining. In Madagascar some years ago, as the Chinese had begun moving in big time to tie up resources, I watched Chinese arrivals at the airport. As they walked through the entry processes they just handed money to whoever they met. and helped ignite the enormous rampant corruption that developed.This is just my personal opinion. I think they know the difference between foreigners or employers who need stay permits for their employees to work in Indonesia and foreigners who have been living in Indonesia for many years, especially those on a wni spouse-sponsored visa.
For the latter group, they are likely to think twice before imposing extra charges because they know the foreigner’s spouse, relatives, or Indonesian friends could make a noise, raise with the authorities, make it viral on social media, which will create unwanted attention.
As for employers, for foreign employees an extra few million rupiah in fees is often not a big deal, so many simply pay it rather than make a fuss and spending time, hassle that will cost them more in term of convenience, opportunity cost.
The issue may have come to light recently after the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry submitted an official letter to the President concerning illegal levies. These levies, such practices are not limited to a single group. Various other parties, including mass organisations (ormas), have also been accused of imposing unofficial charges. These scumbags will visit businesses, industrial estates, manufacturing plants, or fabrication facilities regularly to demand so-called "security fees." It is general public knowledge, they are free to do that as they are protected by the political party, people in the position of power.
Once a letter like that is published and reported by multiple media outlets, it becomes much harder for the authorities to keep the matter quiet or handle it internally without public scrutiny.
Of course, the complaint letter was not only about illegal fees. It also covered other business concerns as well, such as nickel mining quotas and related regulatory issues.
Kadin China Kirim Surat "Curhat" ke Prabowo, Ini Isi Lengkapnya
Aliansi pengusaha asal China dikabarkan telah mengirimkan surat kepada Presiden Prabowo Subianto.
inp.polri.go.id
One of the properties raided, where 74 kg of gold bars were reportedly discovered, belongs to Febrie Adriansyah, the Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes.
"This raises a serious question: who is actually left to uphold the law and fight corruption?" That's a good question. And the answer is..... President Prabowo. In almost every speech he mentions stopping corruption.
Prabowo himself and his family are already wealthy, and his only son does not appear to be particularly ambitious for political power. However, if someone reaches the top because certain individuals or groups are alleged to have supported or helped them along the way, there may come a time when they are expected to repay those favours. You could easily see the first sign from the formation of 100+ cabinet ministers; it is the largest in Indonesian history. Why on earth a country needs so many ministers arguably doing nothing in a country where there are still many people living in poverty.
My remark was intended to be ironic.
