Alleged role of Silmy in Immigration: Demanding cuts and routine distribution

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has revealed alleged extortion and bribery involving former non-active Deputy Minister of Immigration and Penitentiary (Imipas) Silmy Karim. The investigation stems from a report by the Indonesian Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), which uncovered a significant flow of funds into accounts linked to immigration officials.

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In the investigation process, SK, as Deputy Minister of Imipas in 2025-2026, who at that time served as Director General of Immigration in 2023-2024, allegedly committed extortion by 'asking for a cut' from the processing of residency permits for foreign nationals through JS, the Director of Residency Permits.

According to KPK Chairman Setyo Budiyanto, the PPATK report identified Rp366.7 billion ($23 million USD) in transactions across 96 accounts belonging to 35 employees within the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, which has since been divided into three ministries. While only 3% of these funds came from salaries, the remaining Rp357 billion ($22.7 million USD) originated from individuals seeking immigration services, such as visas, work permits, and residency permits.

During the investigation, the KPK alleges that Karim, while serving as Director General of Immigration in 2023-2024, extorted "cuts" from the processing of foreign national residency permits. These demands were allegedly channeled through Jaya Saputra, the Director of Residency Permits at the time. Two subordinates, Bagus Bramantyo and Tessar Bayu Setyaji, were reportedly instructed to collect extra fees from foreign nationals seeking to reside in Indonesia, with the phrase "every click has a price" being used.

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Where for every document application for a residency permit processed, 'every click has a price'.

The KPK stated that between 2022 and 2026, these officials received approximately Rp145.5 billion ($9.3 million USD) directly or through intermediaries. This money was then distributed weekly, with Silmy Karim reportedly receiving a regular share of Rp100 million ($6,500 USD) each week. Karim has been named a suspect in the case, along with other officials including former acting Director General of Immigration Saffar Muhammad Godam and Jaya Saputra.

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The money was then distributed to several individuals in the Directorate General of Immigration/Ministry of Imipas every week, including Mr. SK who received a regular share of Rp100 million per week.