BALINEWSID.COM, DENPASAR – Investigators from Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on Thursday questioned six witnesses in Denpasar as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption involving the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals at the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) between 2022 and 2026.

The witness examinations took place at Denpasar Police Headquarters on Thursday (June 25).

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed the questioning, saying the witnesses were asked to provide information regarding suspected corrupt practices in the issuance of immigration documents for foreign nationals.

“It is true that today KPK investigators questioned several witnesses in the alleged corruption case related to the processing of residence permits for foreign nationals at the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections (Imipas) during the 2022–2026 period,” Budi said.

The six witnesses included GAW, Director of CV Visa Agung Bali; GRW, an operational staff member of CV Visa Agung Bali; STD, the company’s finance staff; MNC and AGN, both private entrepreneurs; and AUD, a staff member of PT Bali Soft who also works as an immigration document processing agent.

According to the KPK, investigators suspect an extortion scheme within immigration services. The alleged misconduct may constitute a violation of Article 12(e) of Indonesia’s Anti-Corruption Law, which prohibits public officials from abusing their authority to force individuals into providing payments or other benefits.

In the case currently under investigation, immigration document service agencies are believed to be the victims rather than perpetrators. They were allegedly pressured to pay unofficial fees beyond the legally established charges to ensure residence permit applications submitted on behalf of foreign clients would be processed by certain immigration officials.

“In this case, the document service agencies are considered victims. They were allegedly asked to pay money outside the official fees so that the immigration documents they submitted would be processed by the officers,” Budi explained.

As of Thursday afternoon, the witness examinations were still being conducted behind closed doors at Denpasar Police Headquarters. Investigators have yet to disclose detailed information about the questioning or identify any suspects in the case.

The investigation has drawn public attention as Bali’s immigration services for foreign nationals frequently involve private agencies acting as intermediaries in handling immigration paperwork. The KPK said the investigation will continue to identify those responsible for the alleged extortion scheme.