Police apprehended five immigration officers for their involvement in the illegal collection of fees from tourists at Ngurah Rai Airport. The arrests occurred on 14 November 2023, due to these officers imposing unauthorized fees on tourists using the fast-track lane at the airport.
The fast-track service at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport has unfortunately been exploited for unlawful charges, despite its intended purpose of facilitating convenience for elderly visitors, pregnant women, and Indonesian migrant workers. Originally intended as a free service to expedite their passage without prolonged waiting, it has sadly become an area for illegal levies over some time.
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The Bali High Prosecutor’s Office has appointed Haryo Seto, an official at the Class I Immigration office overseeing TPI (immigration inspection place), concerning the illegal levy activities at Ngurah Rai Airport. Haryo, alongside four individuals currently serving as witnesses, is suspected of playing a significant role in these activities.
During the investigation, the Bali High Prosecutor’s Office seized evidence of IDR 100 million discovered in the office. As per the suspect’s testimony, they could amass up to IDR 200 million monthly through illicit fees associated with the fast-track route.
Haryo Seto faces charges under Article 12 of Law Number 20 of 2001, pertaining to the eradication of corrupt criminal acts, based on the nature of the offences committed.
Foreign Tourist Forced Extra Payments of IDR 150-250K for Fast Track Services at Ngurah Rai Airport
Deddy Koerniawan, Assistant for Special Crimes at the Bali High Prosecutor’s Office, disclosed that every foreign tourist encountered was subjected to a fast-track fee ranging from IDR 100,000 to IDR 250,000 per person. The exact commencement date of Haryo Seto’s involvement in these illegal levies at Ngurah Rai airport remains undisclosed.
Throughout 2023, Ngurah Rai Airport became embroiled in multiple reports of illegal charges imposed on foreign tourists. One prominent incident involved Monique Sutherland, an Australian traveller who admitted to being extorted by airport immigration officers for AUD 1,500 (equivalent to IDR 15.2 million) in July 2023 due to issues with her passport’s cleanliness.
Disheartened by Indonesia’s immigration practices, Monique, whose passport had faced no trouble with Australian authorities before her Bali trip, found authorities unresponsive when seeking resolution, even after the case gained media attention.