BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – Investigators from Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) conducted a seven-hour search of the Denpasar Immigration Office in Bali on Friday (June 19, 2026), as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged extortion and gratification schemes involving the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals.

The search, which began at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time and concluded around 3:00 p.m., was carried out as a follow-up to a recent sting operation (OTT) targeting corruption in immigration services.

Denpasar Immigration Office Information and Communication Technology Section Head Putu Suhendra confirmed the presence of KPK investigators, who were accompanied by police officers throughout the operation.

“We fulfilled all requests for data and information needed by the investigators. Nothing was concealed, and the entire process proceeded smoothly and cooperatively,” Suhendra said on Friday.

According to Suhendra, investigators requested immigration service records covering the period from 2021 to 2026. Several staff members responsible for related administrative functions were also questioned to support the investigation.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the search, stating that it was part of the commission’s ongoing investigation into alleged extortion involving the issuance of immigration documents for foreign nationals, including Limited Stay Permits (KITAS) and Permanent Stay Permits (KITAP).

“Today, KPK investigators conducted a search at the Denpasar Immigration Office,” Budi said.

He explained that the operation was aimed at collecting evidence related to the alleged criminal activities under investigation.

Witnesses at the scene observed investigators leaving the office with several suitcases containing documents and digital storage devices. The materials were loaded into vehicles and taken away for further examination.

Police personnel were deployed to secure the premises during the operation, while investigators inspected multiple offices and workspaces in search of documents and electronic evidence believed to be connected to the case.

The search forms part of KPK’s efforts to gather evidence in an investigation into alleged corruption involving immigration services for foreign nationals over several years.

The case stems from a sting operation conducted by KPK on June 2–3, 2026, during which 17 individuals were detained. Those apprehended included eight state officials or civil servants and nine private-sector intermediaries allegedly involved in facilitating immigration document processing.

On June 4, KPK named eight suspects in connection with the alleged extortion scheme involving foreign residence permits between 2022 and 2026. Investigators estimate that the operation generated illegal proceeds totaling approximately Rp145.5 billion (US$8.9 million).

Among those named as suspects is former Deputy Minister of Immigration and Corrections Silmy Karim, who previously served as Director General of Immigration. Several other senior immigration officials and staff members were also designated as suspects.

KPK alleges that the suspects exploited the processing of immigration permits for foreign nationals, including KITAS and KITAP applications, to solicit illicit payments.

The anti-graft agency said the search at the Denpasar Immigration Office was intended to uncover the full extent of the alleged network, trace financial flows, and identify additional parties who may have been involved in the scheme. Investigators are currently analyzing the documents and digital evidence seized during the operation as the case continues to develop.