Indonesia's KPK to Pursue Money Laundering Charges in Deputy Minister Bribery Case

Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is expanding its investigation into a bribery case involving the deputy minister of Law and Human Rights, Silmy Karim, to include money laundering charges. The commission aims to uncover potential money laundering from various schemes.

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In this case, the KPK will continue to develop the investigation to explore the possibility of applying money laundering charges from other modus operandi.

The investigation originated from a previous case concerning foreign worker permits and financial transaction data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK). This data revealed suspicious flows of Rp366.7 billion across 96 bank accounts linked to 96 immigration officials between 2019 and 2025. Only 3% of this amount came from official salaries, while the remaining 97% allegedly originated from applicants seeking immigration services.

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From the total flow of funds, only Rp9.7 billion or about 3 percent originated from salaries or allowances. Meanwhile, the other Rp357 billion or 97 percent is suspected to come from parties applying for immigration services such as visas, passports, labor, and residence permits.

Silmy Karim, who previously served as the Director General of Immigration, is accused of extorting "cuts" from foreign nationals seeking permits. This was allegedly done through the Director of Stay Permits, Jaya Saputra. The scheme involved other immigration officials and used "nominee" bank accounts to collect fees from service providers and foreign nationals.

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During the period 2022-2026, parties in the Directorate General of Immigration/Ministry of Immigration received money directly (cash/transfer) or through layering/intermediaries, amounting to at least Rp145.5 billion.

Between 2022 and 2026, officials in the Directorate General of Immigration allegedly received at least Rp145.5 billion. This money was reportedly distributed weekly, with Silmy Karim allegedly receiving a regular share of Rp100 million per week. The illicit funds were disguised using corruption code words like "malaikat" (angel) and "konser grup band" (band concert group). These funds were then used for personal expenses, asset purchases, and business ventures, including establishing a towing company.

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This money was then distributed to the perpetrators in the Directorate General of Immigration/Ministry of Immigration every week on Friday, one of whom was brother SK [Silmy Karim] who received a routine share of Rp100 million per week.