Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, has confirmed the dismissal of several officials allegedly involved in a bribery scheme tied to the issuance of foreign worker permits. The officials were from the Directorate of Control on the Use of Foreign Workers (PPTKA).
“Please note that we have already dismissed several individuals suspected to be involved in this case. The next steps will be handled by the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK),” said Yassierli on Tuesday, May 20, as quoted by cnnindonesia.com.
According to the minister, the corruption case dates back to 2019 and has been under investigation since a public report was submitted in July 2024. He assured that the ongoing legal proceedings would not disrupt the Ministry of Manpower’s (Kemnaker) services related to foreign worker permits.
“Since the implicated officials have already been dismissed, this won’t affect licensing services for foreign workers. In fact, we hope this becomes a turning point to improve our services,” he added.
Yassierli also emphasized the ministry’s full support for the legal process. “This is within KPK’s authority, and we will follow through. What matters most is our commitment to improving bureaucratic integrity,” he stated.
On the same day, the KPK raided the Ministry of Manpower’s office on Jalan Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta. KPK Deputy Chair Fitroh Rohcahyanto confirmed that the raid was part of an investigation into bribery and/or illegal gratification involving foreign worker permits.
“Yes, it involves bribes and/or gratification linked to foreign workers (TKA),” said Fitroh.
Several suspects have been named in the case, but Yassierli declined to provide further details. “Seven or eight people—I forget the exact number,” he said, noting that the dismissals took place in February and March 2025.
Permit-for-Bribe Scheme Exposed: Foreign Workers Pressured to Pay
Behind closed doors at the Ministry of Manpower, a troubling scheme has been exposed: foreign workers were allegedly forced to pay bribes in order to obtain work permits in Indonesia. A process that should have been administrative was turned into a money-making operation by corrupt insiders.
On May 20, KPK investigators searched several key offices at the Ministry’s compound. Carrying black and gray backpacks instead of official briefcases, the investigators signaled the weight of the operation.
The investigation centers around the alleged extortion and receipt of illegal payments related to the Foreign Manpower Placement Plan (RPTKA)—a mandatory document for companies seeking to employ foreign workers.
Following a complaint filed in July 2024, the KPK launched a months-long probe that has now led to at least eight suspects being identified.
KPK’s Acting Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Asep Guntur Rahayu, explained how the bribery operated: foreign workers were coerced into paying so-called “facilitation fees” to ensure their permits were approved. Refusal often led to delays or rejections.
“Officials from the Directorate General of Manpower Placement and Employment Expansion (Ditjen Binapenta dan PKK) demanded or forced payments from foreign workers, violating Article 12e and/or accepted illegal gratification under Article 12B,” Asep said, as quoted by metrotvnews.com.
The RPTKA is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence and work permit. Without it, foreign nationals cannot legally work in Indonesia—making it a key target for corrupt manipulation.
Sunardi Manampiar Sinaga, Head of the Ministry of Manpower’s Public Relations Bureau, confirmed the long-standing nature of the corruption and reaffirmed the ministry’s support for the anti-graft body.
“This is an old issue. The corruption within the foreign worker licensing system dates back to 2019. We fully support this legal process. It reflects our commitment to clean, transparent, and integrity-driven governance,” he concluded.
Source: cnnindonesia.com, kaltengpos.com, metrotvnews.com
Special Photo Credit: kemnaker.go.id
