Indonesia arrests 18 in corruption probe over foreign residency permits

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) in Indonesia has apprehended 18 individuals in connection with alleged corruption in the processing of foreign national residency permits. Among those detained, eight have been officially designated as suspects, including Silmy Karim, the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Penitentiary Affairs.

KPK spokesperson Budi Prasetyo confirmed that the remaining 10 individuals are currently considered witnesses and have been released. The eight suspects, who face charges related to extortion and gratification under Articles 12e and 12B of the anti-corruption law, were immediately detained for the first 20 days. Other high-ranking officials named as suspects include former acting Director General of Immigration Saffar Muhammad Godam and the Head of the West Java Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Jaya Saputra.

The KPK conducted a sting operation in West Jakarta on June 2-3, 2026, seizing vehicles, gold, and foreign currency. The alleged offenses by Silmy Karim occurred during his tenure as Director General of Immigration from 2023 to 2024. The commission plans to provide further details on the case's construction, command structure, and financial flows during a press conference.